Attend the special meeting of the NSNA and Northshore residents on June 13, 6:30 p.m. at the Sunshine Center to hear the CVS Drugstore/Metro Group proposal for rezoning. Here are some points to consider regarding the proposal:
The rezoning, if approved, will result in 250 foot encroachment into our neighborhood, rather than 150 feet, as recommended in our neighborhood plan, opening the door for other commercial properties along the 4th street corridor to expand their businesses.
Historic properties will be demolished, when the city and the neighborhood are supporting historic preservation. Unfortunately, some of those properties are in poor repair, but code enforcement is the solution.
Proponents of the rezoning want Watson's replaced due to excessive police calls to that business and the unkempt appearance of the property. But, the CVS store will sell beer and wine and will remain open until midnight, which may not solve the problems at that corner.
NO TRAFFIC STUDY has been completed to determine how the new store will impact the neighborhood traffic, but it stands to reason that traffic will increase on 9th and 8th Avenues, which will have driveways entering and exiting the store.
The new vision for the 4th street corridor approaching downtown is an urban village, pedestrian-friendly vision, and the corner in question could be an attractive "gateway"--CVS' plan doesn't fit the vision. The store is massive, the parking lot large, the front elevation primarily block wall and unattractive, there is a double drive-through, and the site plan caters to vehicular traffic.
These are just a few points--visit Jim Martin's (see Discussion Index) website to view the site plan and to read more. See Mark Woodley's discussion as well. Inform yourselves, get involved, ask questions, attend the meeting. At the Neighborhood Design Review meeting, intelligent questions were asked and compromises were proposed by residents. CVS denied on the spot some proposed changes and agreed to consider others. Attend and participate! Susan
By Susan Rebillot
The rezoning, if approved, will result in 250 foot encroachment into our neighborhood, rather than 150 feet, as recommended in our neighborhood plan, opening the door for other commercial properties along the 4th street corridor to expand their businesses.
Historic properties will be demolished, when the city and the neighborhood are supporting historic preservation. Unfortunately, some of those properties are in poor repair, but code enforcement is the solution.
Proponents of the rezoning want Watson's replaced due to excessive police calls to that business and the unkempt appearance of the property. But, the CVS store will sell beer and wine and will remain open until midnight, which may not solve the problems at that corner.
NO TRAFFIC STUDY has been completed to determine how the new store will impact the neighborhood traffic, but it stands to reason that traffic will increase on 9th and 8th Avenues, which will have driveways entering and exiting the store.
The new vision for the 4th street corridor approaching downtown is an urban village, pedestrian-friendly vision, and the corner in question could be an attractive "gateway"--CVS' plan doesn't fit the vision. The store is massive, the parking lot large, the front elevation primarily block wall and unattractive, there is a double drive-through, and the site plan caters to vehicular traffic.
These are just a few points--visit Jim Martin's (see Discussion Index) website to view the site plan and to read more. See Mark Woodley's discussion as well. Inform yourselves, get involved, ask questions, attend the meeting. At the Neighborhood Design Review meeting, intelligent questions were asked and compromises were proposed by residents. CVS denied on the spot some proposed changes and agreed to consider others. Attend and participate! Susan
By Susan Rebillot
