HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-24 Public Comment - R. Marshall - Reclaim review authority over the Guthrie, App #23354From:Rebekah Marshall
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Reclaim review authority over the Guthrie, App #23354
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 9:55:32 AM
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Dear Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Commissioners, and Community Development team,
I am writing to express my concerns about the upcoming review process for HomebasePartners' project, The Guthrie. My family and I reside at 401 N 5th Ave., directly across fromthe former Health & Rehabilitation Center. The current traffic on Villard is a significantsafety concern for our curious and explorative two-and-a-half-year-old son. I believe thedevelopment of The Guthrie will exacerbate these issues. The prospect of an additional 200cars in our street and surrounding neighborhood deeply worries us, potentiallycompromising our son's safety even further.
The traffic impact study states: "At full buildout, the Guthrie development is projected togenerate 349 gross average weekday trips." This is alarming. While I trust that the planningand development members will implement safety measures (such as speed bumps andcrosswalks), the fundamental concern remains: 349 additional trips.
This neighborhood is home to many families with small children. The current plan seemsinadequate and requires further consideration and review. A key factor in our decision tobuy our home was its proximity to Whittier Elementary. We anticipated growth andchanges, but we believed that any development near an elementary school wouldprioritize children's safety. I never imagined fearing for our son's safety and that of otherneighborhood children.
Affordable housing is essential, but it's important to note that out of all the Homebaseproperties developed, this one – closest to an elementary school – is an experiment with anew concept using the city's incentives. This project model needs careful review andpotential scaling back.
Furthermore, considering the new information on leasing options, and drawing from myexperience as a former property and leasing manager of a high-density residentialcomplex, the 30-day minimum leasing requirement demands careful definition andoversight. Even with a robust lease agreement, it's vital to consider potential issues.Transparency about the short-term model of The Guthrie is crucial for potential tenants,neighbors, and community members.
Let's examine a few potential challenges with this model, particularly its impact on safetyand the community's well-being, given its proximity to Whittier Elementary:
1. Managing turnover could be a significant challenge.2. There's a risk of subletting without management's knowledge.3. Overcrowding might occur if not properly managed.
4. The transient nature of tenants might not foster community investment.
Is this model, as currently proposed, safe and suitable for long-term communitysustainability?
I urge the city to reclaim review authority over The Guthrie, Application #23354, allowingcity leaders to collectively make a decision that balances the Affordable Housing Initiativewith the community's needs.
Thank you for considering my concerns.
Sincerely,
Rebekah Marshall