In my experience:
1. The housing gap is not of a need for hotel space or one week stays, it
is for housing for:
ESL students, other International Scholars, Laboratory and
Medical researchers,
Touring Theaters (Cast and Crew), advance Business or
Construction teams,
People (and their families) involved in complex, medical
procedures (transplants, etc.)
The most common time need appeared to be around 4-6 weeks
2. Guests-Residents are not house bound.
They will probably leave their rooms for work and again for
recreation.
They will use a variety of transportation methods including:
Walking
Private vehicles
Free Penn Bus & Escort Service
SEPTA
Taxis
Airport Shuttles
I like the idea of increased and improved public transportation.
More and better Cabs, Car Shares and Public Transportation could ease
traffic while increasing urban vitality.
If there are 9 off street spaces and most are dedicated for passenger
pickup, deliveries, cab stands, valet services, etc. it should be made
very clear to the community.
Further, the off-site valet option needs to be clear, financially
sustainable and guaranteed.
3. About 70% of my tenant-guests want to bring a car.
My assurance that in most cases, cars in urban settings create more
problems than they solve, kept the number of cars to under 40%.
If the same numbers hold true, the proposed Inn will need to accommodate
35-75 guest cars, plus the cars of those employees who drive to work.
I would like to see some clear, believable, guaranteed plan for parking
before I'd vote to approve a zoning change.
4. It takes a lot of supplies to run 100 units of housing.
One example: Laundry -
if done on site, the amount of soap and bleach needed is huge,
off site, linen needs to be moved in and out
Where will the loading take place?
How will it look?
5. 100 units will generate a lot of trash.
Which neighbors will bear the brunt of the noise, smell and view of
dumpsters and compactors?
6. My tenant neighbors are still my NEIGHBORS.
Justifying this location because "95%" of the neighboring properties are
tenant occupied seems shortsighted and divisive.
I am reminded that Cynthia Preston, volunteer extraordinary with Town
Watch, the Police Substation, and many activities over many years helping
MANY neighborhood children is 'just a tenant', she is not part of the
debate, but an example that contradicts what seems to be a pervasive
prejudice on this list.
There may be higher turnover rate among tenants, but this neighborhood
has a very low vacancy rate.
I imagine that something unpleasant to the 2007 tenant might also feel
unpleasant to a different 2008 tenant (or home owner).
Taking it a step further, creating traffic, parking, or other density
problems may even discourage further conversion of tenant properties to
owner occupied homes.
Those who despise tenants, should recognize this consequence.
Frank has outed himself as a nearby tenant neighbor.
I value Frank's contributions to this list and our neighborhood.
My Penn student daughter is someone else's tenant on the 3900 block of
Baltimore.
I want to know if this development, improves neighborhood conditions for
her and others like her.
She, and her peers, deliver a lot of money and talent to the
neighborhood.
They are more than just 'nuisances'.
I am also aware of several nearby homeowners.
The O'Donnell's are not just competitors, they are my niece and nephew
and parents of my great nieces and nephews.
I am proud of their successes, and delighted they were able and willing
to buy the property at 4100 Pine.
I think their choice, to use it as a family compound is respectful of the
neighborhood and that their voices (and objections) should be respected
by the neighborhood.
I would like to hear how other homeowners feel about the plan.
7. One on one meetings strike me as not sustainable for the developer.
Public meetings are key to public understanding and decision making.
Karen should be applauded, not chided, for recognizing the slippery slope
of ego gratification, bribery (or threat) and self delusion that comes
with access to 'back rooms' and 'corridors of power'.
Seems I've offered 7 cents tonight.
All the best!
Liz
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