TO: Hon. Sly James; Hon. Jan Marcason; Hon. Jim Glover; Hon. Cindy Circo FROM: Board, Volker Neighborhood Association RE: Development at 3616 Bell Street, Permit Application 2013 10464 DATE: October 3, 2012 We are writing to express our deep dismay and concern over a proposed eight-unit, multihousing development in the north sector of the Volker neighborhood at 3616 Bell Street. An application for a construction permit was submitted to the Planning and Development Department on August 29, 2012. Volker Neighborhood Association (VNA), in concert with impacted homeowners, bases opposition to the proposed development on the following points:
Zoning codes revised in 2010 allow significant latitude in construction of multi-unit housing which when exercised to full extent have negative impacts on settled, stable blocks of traditional homes and housing. The development group, a limited liability corporation, has sought to conceal its intentions and the identities of its constituents, employing an agent who “fronted” purchase of the property and misrepresented to neighbors the scope of the project. Demolition of the existing house on site, undertaken over the Labor Day holiday weekend, was marked by a noticeable disregard for safety, especially safe removal of such hazardous materials as asbestos and paint containing lead. No consideration has been given to the impact of this out-of-scale project on existing environmental factors: low water pressure (a potential fire hazard) and limited onstreet parking, especially during winter months. Homes surrounding the project are almost all 100 years old or older, and thus constitute a housing stock with vintage charm and historic value. Indeed Roselawn, a nearby estate with its own rich legacy, is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Imposition of a characterless, utilitarian “Motel 6” type of structure in this neighborhood would be an act of aesthetic criminality and will damage the value of surrounding properties.
The recent history of interactions among developers, property owners and VNA has been characterized by transparency and trust. Developers have routinely presented their projects to the Association for comment and have modified their initial plans in response to reasonable objections. However, both transparency and trust are absent in the present instance. Variances and conditional allowances included in extant zoning codes may ease the passage of the permit through the review process to approval. Should that be the outcome, we are prepared to request a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Meantime we ask that you as city officials who have publicly declared your support for neighborhood preservation and stability stand with us to limit the scope of this unfortunate and misguided venture. Sincerely,
Pamela Gilford, President, for The Board, Volker Neighborhood Association Drafted by Richard Leidig, Secretary
