HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-12-17 Public Comment - J. Wilkinson -SoBo LoftTo Martin Matsen, Mayana Rice, and the City Commissioners:
I understand the SOBO Lofts development at the old Pizza Hut site on Babcock Street is being
considered for approval. My primary question to you is this: how do you call this "planning"
when you do not yet know the cumulative effects of projects like this, the proposed project
at Olive and Black, and many more being considered in and near historic neighborhoods?
Although it has been asked, the City has provided no evidence that it has seriously considered
myriad impacts, including but not limited to: parking, traffic congestion, rising costs and taxes
related to the need to fix infrastructure being impacted, noise and other issues impacting
neighborhoods etc. Knowing what the impacts will be before new development is approved is
the essence of wise planning. Why does the project have to be four stories which would be
taller than any other buildings in the neighborhood? Why not mandate three stories? If the
argument is that the project wouldn't "pencil out," then is that the responsibility of the
planning department and city commission to approve such projects? What are the actual
parking requirements for a 42-unit apartment complex with many of them being multi-tenant,
including guests of tenants? What is the maximum capacity? Is the design compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood and does it comply with the NCOD guidelines? Will the units be
affordable for local people or will they be rented only to higher-end tenants, some of whom
may only live in them for a fraction of the year? What kind of impact fees are being assessed to
the developer? Will there be a manager on-site to ensure the tenants comply with city code
regarding noise, safety and occupancy limits?
These are important questions and there needs to be much more consideration of the impacts
before this project and others like it are approved.
Thank you,
Jeanne Wilkinson