<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<TITLE>Message</TITLE>
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.5730.11" name=GENERATOR>
<STYLE></STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY id=role_body style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #000000; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"
bottomMargin=7 bgColor=#ffffff leftMargin=7 topMargin=7 rightMargin=7>
<DIV>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>All</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>I would like to make it clear to everyone that <SPAN
class=234090213-11022007>"</SPAN>WE DO NOT HAVE TO EAT THE 5 STORY PART<SPAN
class=234090213-11022007>"</SPAN> yet.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The town simply passed the proposal up to county zoning board for
approval.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The letter they signed at
the last town meeting is non-binding, which means they will do what the county
mandates.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There will be a public
hearing held when Pete is ready to appear before the zoning board.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you feel strongly about this condo
proposal, I urge you to attend this meeting and let your feelings be
known.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>If I haven't said this earlier, the approval of Pete's condo proposal
will set a precedent.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It will pave
the way for any future 5-story high-density construction in the Riverdale MUTC
zoning area.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The MUTC guidelines
won't be worth the paper they are printed on as far as building height is
concerned.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>All the developer has to
do is to hire a lawyer and say to judge, "Pete got to do it, why can't I?<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I would like to ask the MUTC committee
members, the mayor, and the Town council how they will respond to this question
on any future 5-story condo proposals.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>I assure all of you that the owner of the apartment buildings across
Queensbury Rd from the old credit union is watching this process very
closely.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Once Pete gets approval,
he will be in front of the council next.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>The last point I would like to make is this.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN class=234090213-11022007>The
president of the RBA</SPAN> passed out a report on the condo sales
situation in the DC metro area at the last meeting.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She obtained this report (MriS Trends in
Housing, Year-End 2006, Delta Associates) off of the MLS listings, which means
only realtors have access.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It
states<SPAN class=234090213-11022007> and I quote</SPAN>, “With a current
inventory of almost 24,000 units (condos in Washington Metro area), it will take
about four to six years to sell these units at current rates of sales
velocity”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The article further
states, “Only 663 new units were sold in the Washington metro area during the
forth quarter (of 2006)”.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please
read these last two sentences three times to make sure they sink in.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They were written by realtors for
realtors.</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>If Pete can’t sell his condos, what do you think he is going to
do?</FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">I feel the same way Pete does about condos in his
neighborhood.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I’m sure he wouldn’t
want a 5-story condo building a block and a half from his house.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given this fact, I cannot support him in
this effort.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have supported him
for as long as he has been in this town as many of you have.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I have frequented his store many many
times and helped to pay for the life styles that he and his children enjoy.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given the fact that our town has
supported him for as long as he’s been here, I would like to ask him to support
us and reconsider his proposal.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
think if we got together we could come up with a plan, which is significantly
cheaper, conforms to the MUTC guidelines, carries significantly less financial
risk, and still provides the financial incentive that Pete is looking for.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Pete, I am holding out the olive
branch.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you want my support,
meet me halfway.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I’ve reviewed your
plan and I’ve got a few ideas.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Let’s talk.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman"> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>Bruce</FONT></P></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr style="MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader lang=en-us dir=ltr align=left><FONT
face=Tahoma size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B>
towntalk-bounces@riverdale-park.org
[mailto:towntalk-bounces@riverdale-park.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>Gerald
King<BR><B>Sent:</B> Saturday, February 10, 2007 1:26 AM<BR><B>To:</B> Town
Talk<BR><B>Subject:</B> Re: [RP TownTalk] Pete Buildings<BR><BR></FONT></DIV>
<DIV>Emily writes:
<DIV>"SINCE WE HAVE TO EAT THE 5 STORY PART-</DIV>
<DIV>I think these building fronts should say something</DIV>
<DIV>unique about our Riverdale - </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Thank heavens our town still has visionaries who understand that people
are attracted to a community for other things besides schools, roads,
businesses, and a healthy tax base. Not that these things are not desired and
vital to everyone, but what about the environment? What would Riverdale or
Riverdale Park be without trees, parkland, a river, an old bridge, a historic
mansion, a variety of small and large homes with front yards, porches,
gardens, detached garages, and dog houses? What would it be without trains and
whistles, and small family businesses, a commuter stop and tiny
(Victorian replica) train station? What would it be without second
and third generation families, a variety of races, ethnicities
and new emigrants? And what makes so many citizens stay
and volunteer to enhance and beautify the community? </DIV>
<DIV>What does Emily mean by "THIS IS OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT THAT
COMPLIMENTS OUR MANSION - OUR PRIDE & J0Y? </DIV>
<DIV>Will any and all additions or changes in the Riverdale we
cherish "compliment our mansion", reflect our historic traditions,
or make our town more inviting to stay and settle in? Or will pragmatists,
hucksters and opportunists belittle, devalue and crush our
dreams and desires for a homogeneous community that values life and life
style more than balancing the books and expanding the tax base? Will
the mantle of "cost" be used to thwart any attempt to require new
structures to reflect the rich heritage of Riverdale? Was "cost" what
prompted Salimi Fereydoun to build a trellis in front of The Calvert House
Restaurant? Or was it his desire to create an unique and inviting atmosphere
for his customers-- A bit of the "Old World" visionary not unlike those
Steirs that built Riversdale. Compare that to the steel shanty down the
block called Franklin's. </DIV>
<DIV>It is not costs that inhibit the designing of a facade that is compatible
to with an older neighborhood. The problem is more the limitations of
today's architects and the vision and tenacity of the buyer and
contractor. You don't get what you pay for, you get what you allow. If
Riverdaliens allow the cost effective incompatible minimalist structures to be
built in the community, it will slowly lose its
charm and togetherness. </DIV>
<DIV>Gerald King </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE
style="PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=OurDollMom@aol.com
href="mailto:OurDollMom@aol.com">OurDollMom@aol.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=towntalk@riverdale-park.org
href="mailto:towntalk@riverdale-park.org">towntalk@riverdale-park.org</A>
</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Friday, February 09, 2007 8:46
AM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [RP TownTalk] Pete
Buildings</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV><FONT id=role_document face=Arial color=#000000 size=2>
<DIV>Pete's buildings look very nice from the perspective</DIV>
<DIV>that he is using better materials. BUT these bldgs</DIV>
<DIV>do not say anything about Riverdale.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>THIS IS OUR HISTORIC DISTRICT THAT COMPLI</DIV>
<DIV>MENTS OUR MANSION - OUR PRIDE & J0Y.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>SINCE WE HAVE TO EAT THE 5 STORY PART-</DIV>
<DIV>I think these building fronts should say something</DIV>
<DIV>unique about our Riverdale - </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Visitors should come & go and say Wow about</DIV>
<DIV>Riverdale - with FIRST GLANCE. So I suggest:</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If I understand correctly - where the boarding </DIV>
<DIV>house stands - we will have 2 sides to view. On</DIV>
<DIV>Dumms Corner side we will have 3 sides to view -</DIV>
<DIV>total of 5 bldg sides.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If we could get creative with the architects - Riverdale</DIV>
<DIV>began in 1810 with mansion, 1870-80 whatever the</DIV>
<DIV>land was divided into parcels bldg. vacation houses</DIV>
<DIV>for the rich of D.C. - then came roaring 20s, 30s, 40s</DIV>
<DIV>50s 60s etc with houses to match & history of our</DIV>
<DIV>town to match.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>If each one of these 5 sides could match a specific</DIV>
<DIV>historic architecture like 1 side early 1800s, then side</DIV>
<DIV>2 victorian era, side 3 roaring 20s-30s, side 4 in 1940s</DIV>
<DIV>-50s era, side 5 something like they have now.....then</DIV>
<DIV>placed in the tree/flower bed part we could put our </DIV>
<DIV>historic markers telling something about our history</DIV>
<DIV>for each period......if we did not do anything to be </DIV>
<DIV>noteworthy in one period - we could place pics on the</DIV>
<DIV>markers showing that boy/and his horse bathing in</DIV>
<DIV>the river & neat stuff tid bits about our town. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>THEN WHEN THE TOURISTS COME FROM D.C.</DIV>
<DIV>IN THE TOUR BUSES, THEY would visit the mansion</DIV>
<DIV>& grounds, walk on down to our historic district & see</DIV>
<DIV>our neat architecture bldgs & our historic markers, taking</DIV>
<DIV>the visitors all around our store fronts - and they would</DIV>
<DIV>automatically browse our shops & eating places.& sit</DIV>
<DIV>in Munch park & our other little sitting areas.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Our Historic District is very important to support our</DIV>
<DIV>mansion and our architecture/and historic markers </DIV>
<DIV>should tie/pull it all together. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I am not saying the 5 diff. sides of 5 diff architecture</DIV>
<DIV>should be absolutely politically correct but enough</DIV>
<DIV>so to learn/see the differences in the time periods</DIV>
<DIV>and MAKE RIVERDALE SPECIAL & UNIQUE</DIV>
<DIV>rememberance for tourists</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>What do you all think? Emily</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV></FONT>
<P>
<HR>
<P></P>_______________________________________________<BR>TownTalk mailing
list<BR>To post to the list, send mail to
TownTalk@riverdale-park.org<BR>TownTalk-request@riverdale-park.org is for
automated subscription processing
only<BR>http://riverdale-park.org/mailman/listinfo/towntalk<BR><BR>For more
information about Riverdale Park, visit
http://www.ci.riverdale-park.md.us</BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>