[RP TownTalk] Possible MUTC solution to height concern

[Laureys, Ken R.]

Alice  - Thanks for the incisive minutes.  It led me to an idea that might help resolve the economic vs. aesthetic concerns about the height problem (which you might share with the developer):   Perhaps the 'Building A' footprint could be extended to include one or both of the adjacent homes on Riverdale Rd.  Pete and Sons already own the immediately adjacent home, and John Fischer (next door) has been open to selling his home.  <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

This enlarged footprint would allow reduction in height to 4 stories for each building, or even 3.5 stories (including stepping-back the top floor) for one or the other buildings, WITHOUT reducing the unit count, and with a likely increase in the number of units.  

 

As a preservationist, I would insist on re-locating (vs. demolishing) the house(s) to an empty lot in town, perhaps with the town buying the lots, re-locating the house(s) and then selling on the open market, with any profits going to the public treasury.  Alternatively, the developer could take on this responsibility, and use profits to offset the increased cost of the larger footprint.  

 

This enlargement would also allow for more parking spaces in the underground garage, easing resident's concerns about sufficiency of residential and commercial parking spaces.

 

It would also allow for another 60 to 120 feet of street front commercial space on the ground-floor, further enhancing the appeal of this development to customers desiring to shop several stores to obtain their needs (a la 1-Stop Shopping).

 

This is just an idea I think is worth considering to resolve the most troublesome contention about the building's 5 story height.  It does have drawbacks involving the historic home(s), but re-location should be an acceptable compromise.  Any other thoughts about this approach?  What would the developer's view about this re-design?  

 

Ken Laureys

4718 Riverdale Rd.

301-779-1034

K.Laureys at comcast.net

 

-----Original Message-----
From: TownTalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org [mailto:TownTalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org]On Behalf Of Alice Ewen Walker
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:40 AM
To: TownTalk
Subject: [RP TownTalk] Fwd: Minutes of May 3, M-U-TC meeting


Town Talk:

Attached are minutes from the May 3, 2006 M-UTC Meeting. The next meeting of M-UTC is planned for June 7 at 7:30 pm at Town Hall.  

You may view the current version of the plans at Town Hall during office hours or during evenings when the building is open for other events (such as the legislative session, work session, committee meetings etc.) 

- Alice Ewen Walker
M-UTC Chair





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