June 4, 2008
Springhill on the Crosland Development
From Greg Johnson of the Springhill neighborhood:
Dear Richmond Neighbors,
We in the Old and Historic Neighborhood of Springhill request your assistance in opposition to the Manchester on the James development project. The property owner, Floyd “Pat†Patterson, is attempting to get a Special Use Permit to allow Charlotte, North Carolina developer Crosland, to build a massive 200 unit rental apartment complex at the very edge of our historic neighborhood. Although, the project is actually 15 feet outside of the historic district we feel that the enormous size of the structure, the increased traffic congestion and the 50% increase in population density will have a detrimental effect on our community. Springhill is a tiny neighborhood only three blocks wide and four blocks deep.
We feel this is of particular interest to both historic districts and all other neighborhoods, as this apartment complex is being constructed on just over 2 acres. A density of 100 units and 150 cars per acre. There are many one, two and three acre lots in Richmond, and Springhill agrees they should be developed, but developed responsibly and with great consideration of the existing neighborhood fabric. Our established neighborhoods are too fragile to be subjugated to massive development encroachments which are improperly sited and inconsistent with the surrounding neighborhood features.
On Monday June 9, 2008, City Council will vote for or against the project. The City of Richmond’s Department of Community Development and our own Councilperson, Marty Jewell, are in favor of the project and will not lend us their support. We are working in concert with the Foresthill and Woodland Heights neighborhood associations, who also oppose the project, to recruit people to attend the City Council Meeting. We have also embarked on a letter writing campaign and a petition that has garnered over 800 signatures.
We would request that you pass along this notice and attend the City Council meeting on Monday June 9, 2008 at 6:00pm in City Council Chambers, 2nd floor 900 East Broad Street. We have been told the only way to stop the adoption of this ordinance, is to have a great citizen turnout. If you are unable to attend, please write or call your Councilperson or the President of Council. Below I have included their contact information. If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me.
Thank you and hope to see you at City Council on Monday, June 9.
It should be pointed out that the city’s master plan (the adopted document which officials use as a guide for rezoning cases such as this) states that a density of 8 to 20 dwelling units per acre is appropriate for this site. The developer is proposing a density of 88 units per acre…The Council has a responsibility to respect the comprehensive plan that they adopted - and adopted specifically to protect residents in existing neighborhoods.
Some points to ponder:
1.) Do you own said land upon which this development shall be constructed? Do you own the streets? Do you own the air into which these buildings shall rise? Do you own the moon? If not, do penalties prohibit you from removing the purchase price from one of your many accounts spread around the world? Do you need more time to save up, or raise the cash?
2.) Have you determined with reason, that the “development” will be a detriment to your neighborhood. Or do you merely “feel” that this development is “bad;” A potential place for “those” people to hang out and have a roof over their head?
3.)Have you offered information and developmental suggestions to the council which would improve this development wherever it is built? Are they sane, rational, and competent suggestions that would add to the project or are the suggestions merely the lashing out of a two year old who doesn’t get their way?
4.) Do you like to complain about the drapes in your neighbor’s house?
5.) Do you casually, yet somehow emphatically suggest to your neighbor that her marigolds are “so eighties” and shun her at the block party when she refuses to dig them up and plant lilies?
6.) Do you have a webcam (with recorder) trained on your neighbor’s rear porch to record his recycling bins’ latest additions to rest assured he is complying with your mores?
7.) Do you allow your neighbor’s outside clotheslines yet find it necessary to trespass and fold his clothing when you feel they “should” be dry? And do you enjoy making him beg for his Hanes until the next day so that you might re-educate him?
8.) Can you comprehend that “historic” is a relative term, and that most people in this fairly young country would not think of your neighborhood as the Buckingham Palace Neighborhood, merely a declining neighborhood that’s been in decline for 50 years, and merely has received a stay of execution by upwardly mobile professionals to ignorant to ascertain a “money pit” when it beats them over the head with a new plumbing /electrical /roofing /foundation /siding /chimney /insulation /HVAC / kitchen / bathroom /bedroom / garage /flooring /soil /plaster retrofit?
9.) Do you understand that poop that is “historic” is merely “Historic Poop?”
10.) Shouldn’t you be tending your own garden, not your neighbor’s? Or did the Holiest of Holies plant a Gold Star on thine Arse, making you and your neighborhood Lord of all that exists within your sight?
While I’ve no vested interest in this at all, and support the energetic accumulation of verbosity attempting to deny “progress” and “change” -for it is a fundamental right of humanity to complain about something. But I can’t help thinking that this “fight” seems rather silly.
But Kudos, perhaps you’ve found the meaning of Life. Have fun banging your head against the wall. While you’ve been distracted, I have noticed that your lawn needs trimming and your supercan is still outside at 7:01 pm. I have reported you to the city. The fines will be in the mail.
Rachel Flynn signed off on this? Hard to believe. I will definitely email her in opposition to this. I’m sorry you can’t get Jewel to understand how wrong this is, especially when he supported your O&H District.
Without your own district councilperson’s support, you’ve got a tough battle. I will try to make it June 9th. I’ve also sent an email to lots of folks in my neck of the woods (Church Hill). We’re fighting a large project called the “Oakwood” up here. Can really sympathize.
Pop,
If this were on Craigslist, I’d nominate your for the best of Craigslist. You hit it on the head.
In Church Hill, the neighbors want to block a project that is over almost 1/2 a mile away.
None of them has offered to pony up and buy the site from the developer either!
Definition of a do-gooder? That’s someone who will give you the shirt off of someone else’s back!
Crosland is a very well known developer with a reputation of doing good work. The developments they have done in the Charlotte area kick Richmond’s in the rear.
Pop - your points to ponder were actually nothing to ponder at all. I beleive your assumptions about those who oppose this development are ill conceived. I believe Greg Johnson addresses the concerns quite well. The density issue alone should kill this particular project. Many of us from the surrounding neighborhoods will show up June 9 to oppose this particular development and the degree and scale of opposition cannot be ignored.
Pop- Are you the grumpy old man who sits on his porch spitting tobacco juice and absurd complaints while those around you say “Poor thing, just ignore him.”?
Do you need a hug?
“In Church Hill, the neighbors want to block a project that is over almost 1/2 a mile away.”
Bystander:
You are misinformed. the Oakwood condo project is right up against many people’s back yards at the end of E. Broad Street on the 3500 block in Chimborazo Old & Historic District.
hillkid, Bystander probably meant the Echo Harbour development on the river… or perhaps the Shockoe Bottom Ballpark. Seems Hill residents like to claim everything in their viewshed as their own. Anyways, the current proposal sits fine with me. I don’t understand why people prefer weed infested vacant lots to responsible development. Density in this area is needed to improve retail options and spur more development in all the other vacant lots in the area.
Help me with this. It’s a Special Use Permit for 200 units, which is an overlay to the existing zoning. What is the existing zoning, and what could the owner do under that zoning? If your answer is that the owner should voluntarily agree not to develop his property as zoned, that you have lost any credibility.
Yes, I was speaking of Echo Harbour and the soon to be encroaching Rocketts Landing.
Before the Echo owner bought the site, it was the location for rusting cranes, debris and obsolete industrial equipment. Too bad he tore all that down before he applied for site plan approval.
Ahh…existing zoning. The existing zoning is a hodge-podge of 3 zones. The closest and smallest on Cowardin is M1, industrial. The second and largest section is B3, Business with residential above. The third, and closest to the neighborhood is R53, multi-family attached. The neighborhood has always contended that the existing zoning would be preferable because the core density would be pushed towards Cowardin, where it should be, and the less dense component would face the neighborhood. The R53 zoning requires setbacks, green space and lot coverage of no more than 60percent. This represents more of which currently exists in the neighborhood. The Special Use Permit would allow the developer to build from property line to property line, with no setbacks. We would look at (excuse the reference) a Borg Ship Cube on West 19th St.
Go Pop!!
Echo Harbor would idea forever ruin the view shed of Church Hill. Visit Libby Hill; you’ll find a marker with information about the view from the Hill. Richmond was named for this view because it is so similar to view from Richmond England on the Thames. And it really is! And it is beautiful. This is a historic site that should be preserved. The site in England has been preserved.
Do you remember the Twinning Ceremony last year? When the Queen was here? The governor of Richmond, England came to Libby Hill to attend this ceremony.
I am not against progress, but I am against destruction. And with the economy the way it is now, there is no justification for building MORE high-rise condos that no one buys in this area. We have so many empty condos in this town. Stop already!
Pop, et al, your views on this subject are welcome and appreciated. I encourage you to attend the meeting on 6/9. I’m personally opposed to the current SUP because it’s such a departure from the original plan (which was, by and large, accepted by the folks in Springhill.) So come on out on Monday. That’s what civic discourse is all about. If you don’t make your voice heard, you can’t complain.
BTW to Pop: my “money pit” in Forest Hill has doubled in value in the last 5 years. Wish I could say the same for my mutual fund..
In reply to “Pop”’s query “2.) Have you determined with reason, that the “development” will be a detriment to your neighborhood.”
The answer is YES.
Instead of simply being curmudgeonly bystanders, some of us are participating. Most of you other comments aren’t worth reading.
Wow, I underestimated the absurdity of the arguments against the project. And apparently I hit a nerve with a few of you here. So sorry.
Love the council meeting:
Sloooow start with the negatories. “Is this the best you’ve got,” mumbles the developer while twirling his imaginary mustache.
Way to go Spring Hill, break out the “long time resident.” 1958. Bet she remembers the trolley cars and segregated neighborhoods! Oh, let’s remind Council of “The Good Old Days.”
Oh snap, skeet all over Pantele, Mr. Certified! Keep it up. It always goes over well with Mr. Combover. Do you think he may have “perception” problems?
Oh yeah- bonus irony points for use old person’s use of “myopic.”
Make sure your speakers can remember their addresses. It always helps.
An aside: My light bulb on the front porch burned out. I’ve had it for years. It was a good light bulb. I really don’t want to change it. But I do need light on the front porch. Should I change it? I don’t think so. It was too good of a light bulb to just throw away. My neighbor agrees.
Did young angry dude just compare Spring Hill to Mt Vernon? WTF dude!? Hyperbole much?
“Passionate citizens”…. heehee
Aside: I remember when all you whippersnappers wouldn’t go any where near the river for fear of getting typhoid or worse. And I’m not that old.
One brought up streetcars! Kudos!
Here come the pros….
“I like it. Can we go home now. CSI Miami is on at ten”
Oooops, low income housing maven. “Economic and social fabric,” “revitalization;” “non-profit;” put a pillow over her mouth…..
Finch… isn’t that a bird? Traffic congestion? She lives on Floyd Ave? And she’s a bird. Stone the witch!
Let’s advertise our realty company’s listings. Good show! Way to sneak that in.
Oh snap, Bald Black Man is watching you!
Floyd- lives on Grace. He’s obviously one of “them.”
Wow, Donnie is tired. And just absolutely precious! And “PLEASED!” That’s it. Game over, it’ll pass for certain now. Damn I wish I had his physique!
Baker? Didn’t he work for the city a while back? In planning? He does bring up a point concerning parking: Where would I park my 1966 International Scout pickup? And could the blocks under the axles hurt the pavement?
Council:
Marty: He just called all of you in the opposition, racists. Oh snap! (It’s there, just in code.) I like his cadence. Not all preachy, more like Wilder’s snide condescension.
Conner: “Fantastic project!”
Graziano: She’s walking a tightrope here. Remember though, she brought you the farmer’s market to southside because you’re too lazy to grow greens in your back yards. Give her a break. She’s trying. Really hard.
Robinson: Accept your fate. The BORG has arrived. You will be assimilated! Or move to Brandermill. She is concerned about the “massiveness” of the building. Prepare for condemnation of surrounding properties. She went to London, where Black people speak the Queen’s English. Scary place mate! Her “conflictedness” wins out cus she’s not sure what’s in it for her.
Bald White Dude: Great reversal of the “gateway” concept. Doesn’t Pantele own some of those apartment complexes along Chamberlynne that Bald White Dude’s criticizing? Supports Borg.
Used Car Salesman White Dude with Glasses: Says Nothing of any import. Supports.
Pantele: Remember when………… I was on your side? I like green space. And herbage! But I’d rather have a strip club on site, so I’m in opposition.
Oh, she tried to fix the vote? How hard is it to count nine votes? Dayum, I want her job.
Looks like a new development is moving in!
Some suggestions:
1) Spring Hill Parking Permits; Just like the Fan, only better (perhaps with a “shoot on sight” ordinance for “those people” without a permit.
2.) Spring Hill Bumper Stickers “By Invitation Only”
3.) Understand that the “Master Plan” of any city is flexible. If you’ve got something to bring in extra tax money for the powers that be to spend, you could make any Master Plan learn Yoga overnight.
4.)Get some chickens and a goat or two and really make your neighborhood less dense. While you’re at it get a few piggies too- cus they really stink up the joint, but Ooooooh do they taste so good. Bacon! Start an abattoir in your basement and claim it’s your religion.
5.) Try not to call people “liars” if they have a different interpretation of reality than you do.
6.) You will not “Save your neighborhood” by denying any project where “those people” can live and raise their children and grow old and have hopes and dreams about leaving the neighborhood and finding less nosy neighbors.
7a.) In six years, two months and thirteen days no one will be driving anyway. We will all teleport to our desired destinations. So your concerns about traffic are senseless and obviously not based in reality.
7b.) Or we will all drive Segways. So parking will be fine.
8.) You better bring those empty super cans in, I’ve got my eyes on you!
Wow! Sorry folks. Should pursue the violations of the ordinance as pointed out by the very articulate and be-speckled local gal.
SUP alert! Developer is seeking a special use permit for the properties that his company as quietly purchased: all of the buildings west of the CVS in Westover Hills.
The plan is for a 300 unit rental property with commercial space on the ground floor, and the minimum amount of parking required by code.
This will certainly make life in Westover Hills interesting.
Double wow!
What’s with these high-density, gigantic rental monsters being built in city residential areas lately?
Soft home-owner’s market? Strong renter’s market?
What happens when the rental market goes soft? Can have a much more negative impact on an area that a few foreclosed homes.
[...] the heels of Crosland’s victory at last night’s council meeting comes a nugget from the comments of another post that’s worth bumping up: Developer is seeking a special use permit for the [...]
Didn’t they just raze the dollar store across the street from the CVS to build residential-and-shopping mixed-use buildings? Which still sits as a vacant gravel lot?
I’d would like to know more about the 300 unit development in Westover Hills. The property west of the CVS is not zoned residential. A 300 unit rental development is dead on arrival with the neighborhood associations., I would guess.
Yes - I would guess that a bunch of rental properties would be DOE given that Westover Hills has a competent, articulate, progressive thinking, ethical and non-racist council person.
Marty Jewel makes me cringe - listening to him speak is worse than listening to a Presidental address. When will the incompetence, the corruption and the racism of his tenure end? Marty’s that is…..