Dear friend,

Last Thursday hundreds gathered for a community meeting sponsored by GVSHP to discuss the planned 308 ft. tall tower at 110 University Place and 12th Street, and steps we can take to prevent more such developments from going up in this area. So many concerned neighbors turned out, in fact, that a few latecomers had to be turned away as the building reached legal occupancy limits.

The evening was nevertheless a great opportunity to share information about the planned development and the lack of adequate landmark and zoning protections for the University Place and Broadway corridors which allow such developments to proceed without any public review or approval. Possible proposals for zoning changes and extensions of landmark and historic district protections were discussed as means to prevent further such developments from taking place, and ensuring that historic buildings would be preserved and that any new developments would relate to rather than detract from the character of the neighborhood. To watch the video of the meeting, presentation, and discussion, click here; to view the accompanying PowerPoint presentation, click here.

Right now, a lack of landmark protections in this area means that existing buildings can be torn down or altered at will, regardless of architectural or historic significance or detail. Outdated zoning rules mean that new development can reach 300 feet in height or even greater, and that in many cases the zoning encourages hotel or dormitory development over residential uses.

GVSHP believes this should be changed, and offered suggested zoning changes and expansion of landmark and historic district protections which would do so. By far the majority of those in attendance expressed support for the suggested zoning changes and expanded landmark protections, though some had valid and understandable questions and/or reservations.

To move ahead with any such proposals requires a strong consensus from stakeholders and the affected community. To reach such a consensus, GVSHP is asking interested parties to fill out a very brief survey letting us know your thoughts on potential zoning change and landmark extension proposals for the area as discussed at the meeting (watch the video or view the Powerpoint for more details) -- pro, con, or otherwise.
HOW TO HELP:

• Please fill out the very brief survey letting us know your thoughts on zoning changes and extended landmark protections for the University Place and Broadway corridors that would preserve historic buildings and keep new development in scale and character with the neighborhood > >
   
• If you do support expanded zoning and landmark protections as a way to prevent more oversized development in the University Place/Broadway Corridors, let city officials know by sending the letters here and here

Sincerely,

Andrew Berman
Executive Director

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