I am profoundly disappointed in this proposal. When Harvard Jolly conducted their first "listening session" at the library, the "impact on adjacent properties" -particularly our historic neighborhood- was their first bullet point for concern. They repeatedly and earnestly expressed their desire to be "good neighbors" and to carefully buffer the impact of this huge project on our homes and our narrow 1920 streets. What they propose is almost completely contrary to their now empty promises. I was expecting to see townhomes on the north side of Wood from Highland to Milwaukee - in every option. Instead, immense parking garages, office buildings, and commercial space serve as "neighborhood buffers". It makes the library listening session appear to have been nothing more than a thinly veiled hoax. What example will the city's project set for future downtown development? What legacy will the Commissioners leave for themselves? Who will compensate us for the loss of property value?
I am profoundly disappointed in this proposal. When Harvard Jolly conducted their first "listening session" at the library, the "impact on adjacent properties" -particularly our historic neighborhood- was their first bullet point for concern. They repeatedly and earnestly expressed their desire to be "good neighbors" and to carefully buffer the impact of this huge project on our homes and our narrow 1920 streets. What they propose is almost completely contrary to their now empty promises. I was expecting to see townhomes on the north side of Wood from Highland to Milwaukee - in every option. Instead, immense parking garages, office buildings, and commercial space serve as "neighborhood buffers". It makes the library listening session appear to have been nothing more than a thinly veiled hoax. What example will the city's project set for future downtown development? What legacy will the Commissioners leave for themselves? Who will compensate us for the loss of property value?