We wanted to share with you a project update: As most community members know, our company, U³ Ventures, has conducted three, widely advertised and open meetings this past summer to provide a forum in which to debate ideas and proposals for the development of the large parcel of land at 4224 Baltimore. As of the late-July culmination of these meetings, U³ proposed a definitive development plan for the site. (This website, 4224baltimore, provides details on the outcome of the process). We have proposed a mixed-use project with 145,000 square feet of rental/for-sale housing, 8,000 square feet of retail and 65 parking spaces. This proposal is an alternative to the as-of-right zoning permit we received in March 2013 for 81,000 square feet of residential use (92 units) with no retail, 36 bicycle parking places and six automobile parking spaces. Obtaining permits to develop the alternative project will involve a public review process that would culminate in either a zoning variance issued by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) or the adoption of a land-use change ordinance by the City Council. The two approaches each offer advantages and disadvantages. But choosing the one or the other, at this point, is a bridge we need not yet cross. We will instead attempt to reach community consensus as to precise project scope and related project details. If general consensus can be reached, the appropriate permitting process--ZBA or ordinance--can be pursued. We understand that the Spruce Hill Community Association has discussed this matter and has come to the same conclusion. We are now developing the details of the alternative plan and intend to present our proposal at a time and place to be determined by the Spruce Hill Community Association Zoning Committee sometime in late November. We are committed to a process of openness and inclusiveness and welcome any and all input so we might propose a detailed plan that is informed by the widest input possible. News about a meeting will be announced once plans are available for discussion and review. But we urge any community member to provide us with your thoughts, positive and negative. Our goal is to develop a project that makes business-sense and of which we and the community can both be proud.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 14:46:55 +0000
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