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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03_Abrams 1 PREDICTABLE CHARACTER RETENTION FOR ESTABLISHED NEIGHBORHOODS RE: Hinesburg Rd.//Highland Terrace Development Issues & Likely Near-Term 3-Lot Proposal: #IZ-19-01 – Kerwin Property South Burlington, VT Mark R. Abrams, Ph.D. 174 Highland Terrace So. Burlington, VT Aug. 16, 2019 Dear Paul, Per a conversation with Delilah Hall, I am requesting the following be entered into the record of the upcoming Aug. 20th DRB meeting, with copies conveyed to the second and third bodies if possible. Thank you. ~ Open Letter to the Development Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council The Zoning Dept. cites the objective of providing ‘predictability’ for developers. As opposed to new development, when it comes to long-established existing neighborhoods, this raises the question: Shouldn’t longterm property holders have the security of predictability in maintaining the established nature and character of their neighborhood? In all fairness, do they not merit primary consideration in these matters? DRB ISSUES: - My concerns stem from having paid substantial taxes since 1981 only to have the city act to diminish the value of my property in allowing the character, convenience, and ambiance of an established, 40+-year-old neighborhood to be altered by the addition of homes placed much closer to the street, and each other. - A belief that, in the absence of compelling or emergency conditions, the City was remiss in its apparently capricious targeting Highland Terrace for such alteration; an action totally inconsistent with the long-term nature of the neighborhood, and done with disregard for the existing residents. I fault the City for failing to consider the impact on long-term homeowners by writing zoning laws allowing such post hoc alteration. I urge the City to correct this oversight by acting immediately to distinguish between existing neighborhoods and proposed neighborhoods by exempting the former from the current retroactive disadvantage.1 2 - Because the original buyers were deprived of the choice available to buyers today when considering multiple-design developments, such after-the-fact alterations have resulted in residents feeling blindsided by a form of ”reverse engineering” or “Bait-and-Switch.” The question arises about what criteria or qualifications existed to justify what could be considered a form of social engineering? - This issue seems to have parallels with the City’s alarm and opposition to Burlington’s new plan impacting Queen City Park. In light of this understandable reaction on the part of the City, one hopes that empathy could be extended to its own residents’ undergoing a similar experience. Further issues concern: - Effects on the water aquifer’s capacity to support more housing. - Loss of the integral natural screening on the City’s property on the West side of the street. I look at these trees and greenery through my office window all hours of the work day. The stress-reducing, health enhancement this view provides is documented by established science.2 Such screening cannot of course be added to all projects, but once established, threats to its loss should be considered very carefully. Common sense, and due regard for the realities of human nature point strongly to the fact that more significantly shorter setbacks, increased traffic, and the loss of the screening if new driveways are cut into the west side of Highland Terrace, will negatively impact the value of my house and others’ if allowed to continue. Conclusion: Some alteration to this neighborhood has taken place –and not without good neighbors- however, the current degree of alteration in no way justifies not preserving what characteristics still exist. We believe no further such construction should be sanctioned. In light of the above, I am opposed to any new construction in the relevant Hinesburg Rd. area if it would access Highland Terrace from the west side of the street, or have adverse effect on the acquifer. To prevent further alteration from the earlier ill- conceived zoning decision, I urge the City Council to disallow present and future proposals of this nature. Thanking you for your kind consideration, I am Yours sincerely, Mark R. Abrams 1 [ Disadvantage: Something that puts one in an unfavorable position or condition. Loss; . . . injury to interest, reputation, credit, profit, etc. (dictionary.com) ] 2 ‘Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life,’ Kellert, Heerwagen, & Mador, John Wiley & Sons, 2011. ‘Healing Spaces,’ E.M. Sternberg, MD, Belknap Harvard, 2009.