HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublicComment_227_E_BleekerFrom:norahowie@comcast.net
To:Amy Simon; Sarah Yoon
Subject:Public comment
Date:Tuesday, December 8, 2020 10:03:35 AM
To the HPC commission
We are writing for the record for 227 E Bleeker conceptual application.
Notwithstanding the allowances of the code, the preservation of the miners cottages is a critical cultural and visual
asset to the history of the town - when mass and scale are respected. As the cost and sale-ability per square foot
continues to increase, the scale of the additions becomes more massive. (For example, the Hayes redevelopment at
209 E Bleeker)
Recognizing this pressure, the Board’s carefully and lengthily recently revised guidelines require the new addition
not overwhelm the historic resource . Guideline 10.8 As I have said over the last 12 years, if a project needs
variances to “accommodate the program”, the program is simply too large.
We would encourage the commission to deny the requested back yard setback. Modest room size adjustments will
not change the sale ability and, any need for setback would be eliminated. The HPC board should challenge
applicants to meet these guidelines as established.
The additional walkway presents a confusing and competing entry to the historic resource: guideline 1.6 and 4.5
The argument of pushing development to the alley is specious as alley life hugely impacts everyone in the
neighborhood. As the size of additions increase, the alleys are often impassible with vehicles - service, property
management, extra parking places, constant remodel. These narrowed alleys compromise snowplowing, garbage
collection, fire trucks and public safety . We live this daily and would invite you to visit these alleys . This was not
the Intent of the HPC guidelines.
We assume the permeable spot is intended for the required second parking place- again,
Why should the public assume the loss of public alley space to accommodate a required parking place for private
gain. Put it on the legal lot.
The guidelines have been in place to preserve the mass and scale and character of our town. We implore you to
respect and adhere strongly to these guidelines in the face of huge development pressure.
Respectfully,
Nora Berko
Howie Mallory