PH-7 18-0807 Resolution to Approve the Cottages at Barton Green Site Plan, Wetland Use Permit, and Development Agreement, West Side of Pontiac Trail, South of Dhu Varren Road (CPC Recommendation: Approval - 2 Yeas and 7 Nays)
A few observations: As now proposed,the developer is eliminating all six 6-bedroom units, but is increasing the number of five-bedroom units from 55 to 67.This includes the 11 E2 units (up from 3), which Trinitas now calls "single family homes." With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, at maybe $4,000 a month rent, I don't think so. Also, there will be 109 more parking spaces (including 26 deferred spaces) than required by ordinance. Why? Because these are really 682 individual by-the-bedroom rental units, not 211. With a driver in every bedroom, they need the extra parking, yet still will come up short. All told, this site plan is a blatant gaming of R4A zoning. Our neighborhood has proposed 22 (authentic) single family homes, with no unit bigger than four bedrooms, as Trinitas did in Oxford, Ohio, and floor plans modified to allow marketing to non-students. Inclusivity, housing diversity, sustainability and affordability are our ideals--this project embodies the exact opposite. Thank you!
After many meetings with the city planners, developer, and planning commission, the site plan proposed by Trinitas has not addressed any major concerns inherent in this development. My main concern is safety for citizens and vehicles, which remains to be addressed. In today's Strong Towns article, Charles Marohn details Austin's issues related to Austin's growth, similar to our city's. He writes:
"Another structural problem was starting to creep up on Austin: stifling traffic congestion. When you grow the area served while simultaneously collecting everyone to a single choke point, your road network ceases to work. Austin finds itself forced to undertake some massive road expansion projects, just to pretend to do something about congestion."
I respectfully urge you to reject this proposed development until a traffic plan is developed that will address both congestion and safety issues, is scheduled for construction and funded.
In June City Council instructed the Developer to work WITH the neighborhood to substantially modify their proposal. ONE meeting was called by the developer on Sept 4, the first day of school for AAPS, during the work day. The developer presented proposed modifications which do not address the key issues. There was no request for joint problem-solving. The "single family homes" suggested in the modification plan actually contain 5 individually locking bedroom & bathroom combinations with a kitchen and common area. These are not single family units at all. The development is not appropriate for the community in which it is to be built. Further, the traffic safety ratings for the intersections impacted by this development fall to level D and E. This rating allows the city to deny development until such time as this is addressed. This development is NOT a by-right development until this problem is solved. For these reasons city council should deny this request.
A few observations: As now proposed,the developer is eliminating all six 6-bedroom units, but is increasing the number of five-bedroom units from 55 to 67.This includes the 11 E2 units (up from 3), which Trinitas now calls "single family homes." With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, at maybe $4,000 a month rent, I don't think so. Also, there will be 109 more parking spaces (including 26 deferred spaces) than required by ordinance. Why? Because these are really 682 individual by-the-bedroom rental units, not 211. With a driver in every bedroom, they need the extra parking, yet still will come up short. All told, this site plan is a blatant gaming of R4A zoning. Our neighborhood has proposed 22 (authentic) single family homes, with no unit bigger than four bedrooms, as Trinitas did in Oxford, Ohio, and floor plans modified to allow marketing to non-students. Inclusivity, housing diversity, sustainability and affordability are our ideals--this project embodies the exact opposite. Thank you!
After many meetings with the city planners, developer, and planning commission, the site plan proposed by Trinitas has not addressed any major concerns inherent in this development. My main concern is safety for citizens and vehicles, which remains to be addressed. In today's Strong Towns article, Charles Marohn details Austin's issues related to Austin's growth, similar to our city's. He writes:
"Another structural problem was starting to creep up on Austin: stifling traffic congestion. When you grow the area served while simultaneously collecting everyone to a single choke point, your road network ceases to work. Austin finds itself forced to undertake some massive road expansion projects, just to pretend to do something about congestion."
I respectfully urge you to reject this proposed development until a traffic plan is developed that will address both congestion and safety issues, is scheduled for construction and funded.
In June City Council instructed the Developer to work WITH the neighborhood to substantially modify their proposal. ONE meeting was called by the developer on Sept 4, the first day of school for AAPS, during the work day. The developer presented proposed modifications which do not address the key issues. There was no request for joint problem-solving. The "single family homes" suggested in the modification plan actually contain 5 individually locking bedroom & bathroom combinations with a kitchen and common area. These are not single family units at all. The development is not appropriate for the community in which it is to be built. Further, the traffic safety ratings for the intersections impacted by this development fall to level D and E. This rating allows the city to deny development until such time as this is addressed. This development is NOT a by-right development until this problem is solved. For these reasons city council should deny this request.