HomeMy WebLinkAboutBates-Abraham Opposition Letter 090324Dear Mr. Jordan,
I am writing to express my concern about the application for Zoning Variance at 5220 Hawthorne Rd. I am vehemently opposed to the granting of this variance for many reasons.
I live less than two blocks away from this property and I have been a resident of the Heights Neighborhood for 32 years. When my husband and I moved to this neighborhood we were attracted
to it because of all the trees and the park-like surroundings. Many people come every day to walk the tree-lined streets and enjoy the beauty of the neighborhood. Over time the park-like
surroundings have changed dramatically. Builders, Jeff Fuller being the primary culprit, are removing every tree and shrub from the lots to make room for home construction. Most of
the new homes that are being built fill the entire property, leaving barely enough room to plant grass and a tree or two in the front yard at the completion of the project. It is changing
the look and feel of the neighborhood and destroying the park-like setting that attracts most homeowners here in the first place.
The lot at 5220 Hawthorne is a relatively small lot and it is currently packed full of trees. According to Mr. Fuller, the plan is to build a house with garage space to accommodate four
vehicles. Four vehicles. I can only imagine the disaster we will have to witness as every single tree and shrub on that lot is cut and a large house with a four vehicle garage is
built in its place.
The Board of Adjustment has been approving these variances for the past 30 years, despite concerns from the residents of the neighborhood. The Heights Neighborhood Association appealed
to the Planning Commission a few years ago for an overlay district and got approval for a tree to be planted every 40 feet on the side of the property bordering a street. Despite our
hopes that this would eventually result in a small resurgence of tree growth, the rule is not being enforced. As a result we have blocks that are barren of trees and shade.
I am in favor of older homes being bought and either replaced or renovated. What is so frustrating is that the new homes are too big for the lots and it is destroying the beauty and
ambiance of our neighborhood. A new home with a four car garage on this small lot takes the cake.
Have any members of the Planning Commission visited the neighborhood and driven around to observe what is happening? Are the members concerned about protecting one of the oldest and
most beautiful neighborhoods in the city?
I am concerned and perplexed about the lack of interest in protecting the valuable and historic Heights neighborhood.
I would appreciate the courtesy of a response.
Thank you,
Patty Bates-Abraham
501-690-8319
.