Neighbors,
A couple of quick notes:
Zoning Commission Hearing on Hine
? On Monday the Zoning Commission (ZC) gave preliminary approval to the Hine development on a 4-0 vote. ?They did ask the developer to do several things before granting final approval, some significant: ?a) they told the developer to accommodate any large
trucks in the planned loading bay b) the developer is required to shift trash pick up for the North building from the east side of the building to the west side of the building and c) the developer is required to recalculate the floor area ratio (FAR--essentially
the ratio of the total square footage of the building to the total square footage of the lot upon which it resides) without including the area of the newly reopened C St. ?Items a and b are good for the community and I'm glad to see the changes. ? Item C is
a wild card, and I'm interested to see what the new FAR will be. ?Frankly we should have caught this during negotiations with the developers, and I don't think they should have presented a FAR calculation without making it clear that the street was incorporated
in the denominator of the equation. ?Should the FAR exceed the amount allowable under the requested zoning regime (C2-B), I don't think it will derail the project, but it will merit further deliberation. ?The ZC will render its final decision in early October.
Expansion of Performance Parking
? The Commission voted 10-0 to expand the Performance Parking Pilot to the full area allowed under existing law. ?We made one significant modification to the plan, which I believe will both eliminate the "dinner party" problem and accommodate the needs
of Eastern Market merchants and patrons. ?One side of each street will retain the existing RPP hours (Mon-Fri, 7:00AM to 8:30PM, 2-hour visitor parking). ?I appreciate all of the feedback I received and especially the efforts of those who hosted block meetings.
?The comments, constructive criticism and ideas shaped the final form of the plan. ?It will take several months to implement new signage in the pilot area and I will continue to work with residents to ensure the plan is implemented consistently and effectively.
Moonlight Movie in Lincoln Park
Council Member Wells is sponsoring the 2nd of two movie nights in Lincoln Park this Saturday night. ?"Madagascar" will begin at dusk. ?My son and I enjoyed the first movie night, and hope to see even more families and friends at this one.
Thank you Frager's
Just a quick thanks to Frager's for providing Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) and lamp timers at cost in support of last week's "Do Your Bit, Keep it Lit" walk. ?If you had your porch light off and earned a flyer on your door step, take it to Frager's
to receive a steep, steep discount on a new porch light and lamp timer. ?Hopefully you'll use them to illuminate your front door (every small action helps keep our neighborhood safe, right?). ?
Making our Community Safer Meeting #2
On Tue, 9/18, from 7-9pm at ?Brent Elementary School, safety expert Samantha Nolan will give a presentation on how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of any crime. ?MPD will also be present to give an update
on recent burglaries (they recently made a significant arrest). ?This should be a more interactive and focussed meeting than the recent one featuring CM Wells and Chief Lanier. ?Fewer TV cameras = more productive.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Regards,
Brian
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