To the Editor:
The Master Plan dictates the parameters within which new buildings may be constructed. Unfortunately, this plan has been totally superseded by the new “High Density” rules, which now determine that giant buildings can be built along the light rail line in total disregard of local residents. Many other buildings (5+ stories) have been constructed throughout the city that are nowhere near the light rail. Some of those projects include: 2nd and the Boulevard, 46th and Avenue E, Broadway and Dodge St, 43rd and the Boulevard, 22nd and Avenue E, 23rd and Broadway, 15th and Broadway; with rumors also circulating about additional sites.
Notification for these large projects comes after all of the planning has been done. Then residents within 200 feet are invited to come and hear all the reasons why these buildings are going up, and why their objections are just sour grapes and anti progress. The Plan was changed without thought to the notification process for buildings of this magnitude, which will impact everyone in the city. Notification to only those within 200 feet is outrageous. Renters, as well as owners, should be included in the process, and the meetings should be held when such buildings are first proposed, not when they are ready to break ground.
In the case of North Street, the proposal is for 22 stories. That is not a misprint. How far from a five-story maximum code requirement is that! There will be distinct ramifications throughout the entire city because of the influx and dense concentration of so many people, too many to list here. All the traffic at this site will also use two driveways leading to one street: North Street. According to the traffic expert’s testimony, none of that will present a problem because everyone will be using the light rail.
This building and its potential twin will overtax the city as a whole because of the services necessary to sustain such a densely populated site by a city already having difficulty meeting its current burdens and responsibilities. I would like to see two things happen:
The creation of a Master List of all proposed building sites throughout the city, from the first day a variance or permit is applied for. Available information for each site should include any vital piece of information necessary for an informed citizenry to make informed decisions. This information should be kept up to date and posted prominently in City Hall and on its website (that would be true “progress” in this city).
Meetings for any construction over five stories should be well-advertised and open to the entire population, and should be held immediately upon receipt of an application to build. It might even be necessary to put some decisions on the ballot, if deemed large or controversial enough.
These issues are too important to be decided by a few people with closely-held information. All information needs to be shared with the citizens who are going to have to pay the cost and live with the results.
KATHLEEN MCNALLY