Letter to Architectural Review Board re 853 21st Street
Category: 'Correspondence'
2007-01-01
To: Architectural Review Board
Michael Folonis AIA [Chairperson], Lynn Robb [Vice-Chairperson], William Adams,
AIA, Rodolfo Alvarez, Joan Charles, Tania Fischer, Edouard Mimieux
Re: __________ __, 2007 Meeting Item: 853 21st Street
After carefully reviewing the presentation by Steve Lappin to the Board of Directors of the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition on December 18, 2006 regarding the above-noted project, the Board of Directors has the following concerns and comments:
1. Increased density
2. Increased neighborhood parking problems
3. Loss of our community’s affordable housing
In and of itself, the project is aesthetically pleasing and appears to be well designed. As we’ve expressed in previous communications with the ARB, however, Wilmont’s board has serious concerns about the impact of ever-increasing numbers of new condo projects in our neighborhood.
Though this and other like projects may fall within acceptable zoning parameters, they nonetheless contribute, individually and collectively, to an exponential shift in the ambience of the community. Continuing the march toward “condo-ization” has many lifestyle and livability consequences for the residents who already live here. First and foremost, these projects increase the density of an already-crowded district and exacerbate our serious parking problem. They also accelerate the loss of community rental units, diminish the availability of sunlight, and contribute to the prohibitive pricing of local housing.
We compliment the architect on an overall attractive project and appreciate that one low-income unit has been included in the project. Socio-economically and culturally, however, the trend exemplified by converting detached home-oriented properties and rental units to gentrified multi-family developments that are out of reach to all but a limited, well-heeled minority will ultimately deprive our community of its rich mix of humanity and inclusive style. Therefore, the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition Board of Directors must refrain from endorsing this project.
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