All posts in the topic 29th Avenue Apartment Building (Short link)
Summary
- There are 17 posts — by 11 authors — in this topic.
- Latest post made by Gina Palandri at Apr 20 01:51 UTC
Some of you might be aware of a project that is transpiring, a 64 unit apt
building in the space of land at the end of 29th Avenue and 37th street.
Tonight we had a great turnout ( surprised me...) of almost everyone on the
block. Almost everyone, lots of folks that normally do not even come out to
vote. The block consensus, is that the building design is too big for this
block. Of course everyone including myself, are on the east side of the block,
and we feel since the master plan for the 38th street station is 4- 4 story
units..that we are just waiting ducks of depleting property value. The
constructional vibration undoubtably that will transpire, the moving of the
alley that close to residential, the height of the building, the noise
pollution and loss of a "livable" street community is hard. Not to mention
that the rental properties already on our street have only led to drug raids,
is all not a very exciting thought.
Sad in Standish.
Gina Palandri
Tonight was a second meeting in regards to this building. The meeting was not
as well attended to as last night. The developer Klodt, reviewed the same
plans and many neighbors once again voiced concerns about the building being
too big. The density of people was once again brought up, as a concern of
increased crime in the neighborhood. * note this street has had 3-4 drug raids
and arson all in one season.
It's a sad sack of potatos that the neighborhood association SENA is not
hearing the consensus of the people living on this block and being directly
affected by the loss of property value, increase in crime, depletion of
livability, noise pollution and voted "for" and in support of the building,
while neighbors on the block ( many of whom never even come out of their
houses) voted in opposition to the building, and have shown up and made their
opinions known. This building is way too big for this street, and it is like
building a "mall", in the middle of houses, and next to a women's shelter( how
can this even be legal?)
Sad sad sack of potato's on this street!!
Gina Palandri
With no representation by my neighborhood association
I live two blocks south of the propsoed apartment building on 29th Avenue just north of the 38th Street light rail station. I would like to offer my support for that development. I have no direct ties to the developer, but I know as a consultant in the industry that the developer is a reputable one. I like the building design in principle. I like that fact that new investment is occurring in a neighborhood that needs it. I think the project will provide additional customers for our wonderful neighborhood businesses, and additional residents who will use light rail, take cars off the roads and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I certainly am concerned about crime in the neighborhood. However, I don't think that a well managed apartment building developed and managed by a reputable developer will add to crime problems in the neighborhood. I do understand that problem properties need to be addressed, and that a strong block club is important in order to keep watch on problem properties and work with the police to reduce crime. I believe one of the ways to make our neighborhood stronger and safer is to have a strong block club on every block. I believe that renters at this project will typically be young professionals that work downtown, perhaps students, grad students or professors at the U, or pilots or flight attendants, as well as others, many of whom will find the proximity to light rail to be a major benefit, and the neighborhood to be generally pleasant. I'd like to think the project will offer an attractive place to live and that tenants may even consider buying a home in the neighborhood when their lease is up if they so desire. Perhaps it may also provide an attractive place to move for older residents of our neighborhood that no longer want to maintain a home. I am also sure, particularly if I were a long-time resident of the neighrbohood, that I too may not be very excited if a four-story apartment building were proposed next door or close to my home. However, light rail transit stations go hand in hand with increased density as a means of increasing ridership on the line, and from a regional perspective connecting, by homes to jobs, reducing traffic congestion and improving the environment. The Hiawatha line has proven to be very popular in part because it serves downtown, the airport, the University and other significant employment destinations. There is great demand from owners and renters alike to live near a station (myself included), and developers have figured that out. It is also my opinion that increased density, while it may cause occasional parking problems, for example, will bring increased vitality and business to the area. I think we could benefit from more people living in the area and walking our neighborhood, either to or from the light rail station, our local businesses or simply walking their dog. More people out using our sidewalks makes the neighborhood safer. While I support the efforts of the city to increase density near station areas, I realize there will be some growing pains. This is certainly one of those times. Quite simply, it won't be the last. Cities are always changing and evolving, and even without the plan approved by the city for the station area, there would eventually be developers making offers for properties they would like to redevelop to a higher density. Hopefully the planning process makes everything more orderly in the coming years and the result is a more vibrant neighborhood. As a resident of the neighborhood, I like to see high quality development occur in the area. As an urbanist, I like to see a variety of residential options in a walkable, transit-served neighborhood. As a member of the SENA board, I want to see continued investment in housing and businesses in the neighbohrood. That is why I support this development. Sam Newberg Joe Urban, Inc. 3913 29th Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55406 (612) 251-4662 direct/mobile (612) 721-1407 fax <email obscured> <http://www.joe-urban.com> www.joe-urban.com
Gosh,
I'd offer my overwhelming support too if I lived 2 blocks away. Even 1 block
away.
It's not that the neighbors directly near( the ones that it will directly
impact: key word here " directly impact") the giant massive "mall" building are
not just against it to be against it- it's too big for this street.
There would not be this kind of opinion, if it had been a building that was
shorter, less units, and perhaps not rentals, and not moving the alley. 2
plexs, 4 plexs- anything would of been better than a ginormous huge 4 story
building.
We can all be urban design experts one day and offer our opinion, but if we do
not intend to sleep next to an alley, and have our homes shaken like a
martini,( those 100 yr old homes don't shake so well..) and have our sun
blocked, well then I guess you can support anything you want to. As long as it
doesn't directly affect you ( living 5' feet from it)
Gina Palandri
Standish (not represented by neighborhood organization)
I have a few questions and concerns about this. My daycare is right in that
area. My children play in that area.
1. Is this a done deal? Or is this the time where the citizens actually get a
voice?
2. Is it a mixed use building?
3. What is the proposed rent for these apartments?
4. Is the developer going to manage the building and tenants? If not, who is?
I'd love to see development that will make our neighborhood a better place to
live but I certainly don't want it diminished. While this isn't directly
impacting me, I live on a street where they are rezoning for mixed use building
and eventually this will be happening two or three doors down from me.
Lastly, this is obviously a topic that residents can and will be passionate
about. I hope that we can use this forum to ask questions, be inquisitive and
supportive, and build bonds with our neighbors rather than break them.
Thank you!
Does anyone know who the developer is? Or did I miss that on an earlier
post?
On Wed, Apr 9, 2008 at 1:26 PM, Maggie Turner <maggie@tilliesbean.com>
wrote:
Here is some additional information and some important clarification on your neighborhood association’s (SENA) role: Last night's (Tuesday) meeting referred to earlier was hosted by SENA to gather response to this developer's requests for rezoning, a conditional use permit and variances. It is our role to do that because of our contract with the city that provides us with Citizen Participation funds. The comments gathered at that meeting have been submitted to the City of Minneapolis Senior Planner for this project for distribution to Planning Commission members, and to 9th Ward Council Member Schiff. Comments about this project do NOT have to come through our office. You can make your comments directly to the planner at <email obscured> (250 South 4th St, Room 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415 - (612) 673-2526). The Planning Commission will hear this application on Monday, April 14th at 4:30 p.m. in room 317 City Hall. Interested parties are invited to attend and be heard. The comment, "It's a sad sack of potatos (sic) that the neighborhood association SENA is not hearing the consensus of the people living on this block," might lead some people to believe that this project is a SENA project. IT IS NOT. There is an additional comment that implies that SENA “voted "for" and in support of the building,” WE DID NOT. SENA is charged with gathering neighbors’ input for submission to the Planning Commission. The SENA Board feels it is best to let immediate neighbors provide input on projects rather than vote on projects themselves. All SENA-sponsored development-specific meetings are open to all residents, but staff is directed to target notification to the immediate area affected by any proposed development. The project was reviewed by the SENA Development Review Committee, made up of neighborhood resident volunteers – many with development and planning backgrounds - who volunteer time to help their neighbors ask the relevant questions of developers and officials, and organize extra meetings for neighbors to meet with developers (in this case, that would be the Jan 8 meeting that the original poster attended) to allow neighbors to gather information about a project as early as possible. You might assume that your neighborhood organization has the power and authority to determine what developments go where. But the fact is – we do not. It is our role to try and help inform residents and help facilitate meetings to gather input. We use the SENA News for neighborhood-wide information and larger projects – like the Station Area planning processes that have taken place over the last several years. In geographic-specific areas like this project we generally use flyers hand-delivered to impacted homes to inform residents' of meetings. My instincts are telling me that this neighborhood forum might also become a place where information will be shared. I can give Wendy and Mona some answers to their questions: 1. Is this a done deal? Or is this the time where the citizens actually get a voice? See above. Because this property was owned and sold by Met Council, not the city, the community engagement process is very limited. Had it been a city-owned property there would have been much more community input prior to any development. 2. Is it a mixed use building? No – residential only. 3. What is the proposed rent for these apartments? The developer stated at the meeting last night that starting rents would be somewhere in the $1,000 to $1,200/month range – for the one bedroom apts. The plan currently calls for 11 two bedrooms, 8 studios, and 45 one-bedrooms. 4. Is the developer going to manage the building and tenants? If not, who is? The developer (Klodt – pronounced Kloot) will be managing the building. They are the developers/managers of the building on 46th St – just east of Hiawatha, next to Walgreens– and of the large project on Snelling Ave between 43rd and 44th Sts. I couldn’t find a web site for them specifically, but these links will give you some information on them and some of their projects: http://www.manta.com/coms2/dnbcompany_34c1w http://www.forrent.com/search-apartments-by-pmc/Klodt/2645/44.9251/~93.2201.php
Sam said:
"It is also my opinion that increased density, while it may cause occasional
parking problems, for example, will bring increased vitality and business to
the area. I think we could benefit from more people living in the area and
walking our neighborhood, either to or from the light rail station, our
local businesses or simply walking their dog. More people out using our
sidewalks makes the neighborhood safer."
I agree 100%. There is safety in numbers and increasing the density of our
neighborhood could fill our vacant store fronts. A vibrant block means more
tax revenue, more people to shop and use local services, and shows that our
neighborhood is attractive to those wanting to ditch the car to use the train.
Change can be difficult but with good neighborhood involvement in the design
and management of the building, we can start building up 38th to be a
productive corridor.
Thanks Shirley for all of the detail and everyone for their comments.
Does anyone have a picture or map of the proposed development? If you do,
simply send them along as attachments to the forum.
I've learned more in two days about development planning than I could ever
imagine.
It is great to see people with different perspectives engaging in a very civil
manner.
So even if the debate gets hot on certain issues, we are still keeping it
neighborly.
Also, sometimes people will share incorrect information and others will correct
the record. The forum will be reflective of the fact that in real life as
information gets shared word of mouth it can get change or interpreted along
the way. Think of the forum as one big record corrector of discussions that
were invisible off-line in the past.
Thanks,
Steven Clift
Co-Host
As a resident on this block,( for which I am greatly affected by this giant
megabuilding) which is a block with previously very very little neighbor
interaction, this has been a building block to finally bring us together. Most
folks on my block don't even come out to vote. The fact that they have showed
up and expressed their opinion; to me is worth more merit than someone who is
lives blocks away. Easy to be "for something" when you don't have to sleep
next to it. Really easy to be in your house blocks away when those of us
living next to a ginormous construction site have our 100 yr old houses shaken
like a martini. Causing internal property damage, water leaks,foundational
changes, gas leaks, etc. Already been thru this once with the contruction of
the LRT utility buildings behind my home. Many neighbors were left with damage
and no one cared. Concrete foundational changes, cracks. The resources and
money that it takes to repair vibrational damages caused by construction is
more than many of us have money to throw at. That's just one of the fears.
Not fear of "change", but fear of damage to our homes that will unfairly be
burdened upon us.
No doubt at all Klodt builds nice buildings. That is not the argument, or
issue. The scale of the building is the issue, and the process of how we have
arrived at where we are with the design is the issue.
The building design as it stands will change the livability of the block.
Adding 120 people at least, ( let's be real) will add more cars, more noise,
increased crime, vandalism, and those are just a few. Do I believe this will
increase my property value? Living smack dab next to an alley and rental
property? Ha!! We are being boxed in by the "38th street master plan".
What I personally would of like to have seen: a few 4-plexs, townhomes, a
community garden plot-more trees? Not a mega-mall giant stuffed ravioli 64 unit
apartment building stuffed into a space not big enough to accomodate it.
The block consensus completely believes it is too big. Absolutely, too big for
this space.
What I would say for clarification in regards to the SENA volunteers( nothing
personal); I can only say that I wish in our neighborhood we followed some of
the other models I see around for other neighborhood associations. I see
completely amazing participation in Longfellow, Corcoran and Powderhorn. I
watched neighbors, and Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association work
successfully in harmony to keep the skating rink open in the park, and "wow"
that was some serious bonding and passion amongst neighbors. Very impressive.
This just is not the same kind of neighborhood. I wish it was. We do not have
the same cohesiveness that other neighborhoods do. It's just a different bird.
It would of been great to have seen a little more communication directly
between the"SENA Development Review Committee" and the people on the street.
Actually "on the street". I have posted many times on the Mpls issue Forum
posts about the neighborhood and supporting local business's like Tillies, over
and over( specifically Tillies); reminding people how lucky we are to have a
wonderful independent coffeehouse right here and to support it. We see and
hear, how many times Tillies has been robbed, and vandalized with etched glass
graffiti, and broken doors. Wow! What is going to happen with rental property
near by? How will this "density" increase affect the gang graffiti, and
break-in's?
I think we just have to ask more questions.
Gina Palandri
29th Avenue Neighbor.
First, let me say that concerns of those who live next to the proposed
construction site are valid and deserve a level of deference.
Second, Re: Causing internal property damage, water leaks,foundational changes,
gas leaks, etc. There is a very real chance that you have a cause of action if
it can be shown that the damages is caused by the construction - just something
to keep in mind.
Finally, I lived in rentals for many years and I never robbed or vandalized
local establishments. Count me in the group who feels that having an influx of
individuals who rent in a shiny new building and choose their living quarters
based on the proximity to the light rail as improving neighborhood safety and
vitality - not diminishing it.
Kipp Dubow
I am not very familiar with this development and I live several blocks away so it doesn't directly affect me as it does some of those who have posted.? However, I wanted to respond to what I have perceived in some of the postings to be an assumption that renters are more likely to be bad neighbors.? My home here is the first I have owned.? Before that, until I was 43 years old, I was a renter in neighborhoods that were mostly single family homes (Merriam Park?and Highland Park).? I worked in various professional jobs and was a law student for part of that time.? I'm sure some of the neighbors didn't like living near apartment buildings either.??But to my knowledge we all generally got along just fine and I became friends with many of them.? There are many responsible people of all ages who choose to rent versus owning a home or aren't ready yet to buy a home, and they deserve to live in a nice neighborhood just as much as anyone else.?I really appreciated the homeowner neighb ors?who were welcoming to me as a renter.? Kristen O. inal Message----- From: Steven Clift <clift@publicus.net> To: Minneapolis Standish Ericsson Neighbors Forum <mpls-staneric@forums.e-democracy.org> Sent: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 4:32 pm Subject: Re: [Mpls-StanEric] 29th Avenue Apartment Building Thanks Shirley for all of the detail and everyone for their comments. Does anyone have a picture or map of the proposed development? If you do, simply send them along as attachments to the forum. I've learned more in two days about development planning than I could ever imagine. It is great to see people with different perspectives engaging in a very civil manner. So even if the debate gets hot on certain issues, we are still keeping it neighborly. Also, sometimes people will share incorrect information and others will correct the record. The forum will be reflective of the fact that in real life as information gets shared word of mouth it can get change or interpreted along the way. Think of the forum as one big record corrector of discussions that were invisible off-line in the past. Thanks, Steven Clift Co-Host Steven Clift Ericsson, Minneapolis Info about Steven Clift: http://forums.e-democracy.org/contacts/stevenclift This topic's messages may be viewed at: http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/5VWDaRWVEfqy9bPAQ4IItj
Coming from around 7' from the proposed development, I'd offer a couple of
thoughts.
There is no assumptions about renters. It's totally hypothetical to make any
assumptions about who might rent there. Totally. All we know is it is "non
family" and that's a quote from the developer. Might be students, might be
"urbanites" might be folks that work downtown..."who knows"? The other thing
is we cannot assume..( key word) assume it is guaranteed ridership of the LRT.
It is not about not wanting change, or a betterment of our neighborhood, and
better-stronger local business's. It's not about a bunch of stubborn neighbors,
it's about the size, and scale and gigantic density change. And certainly,
Klodt is a very very reputable developer, no doubt. It's about a "process"
that was not harmonious with the folks that live on the street. We all want
better things for our streets, and neighborhood. Getting people to show up was
a huge challenge, again no offense- but most of the block does not even ever
come out to vote. That is apathy. Now that I have heard the concerns, and of
course have concerns myself about the scale, and the alley, and the
constructional damage potential, and the gigantic density change, it's more
that we are one voice.
Peace.
Gina Palandri
Neighbor on 29th Avenue
The planning committee hearing was interesting. We on 29th Avenue are very
thankful for the support of Councilperson Schiff. We are not so impressed with
the other members of the planning board that voted yes on all the variances for
this big "mall building". Some members of the board are park board and school
board elected officials ( I know I( along with my neighbors that vote) will
remember them on the next time they are up for election!!)
We are not happy with the scale size of the building nor the placement of the
alley. It has been amazing the neighbors of all ages, and diversity that have
been walking down the street, and asking questions, And asking if there was any
kind of petition they could sign. We submitted a statement of community
impact, and we had 100% plus signatures on a document that stated opposition to
the size, and scale of the building. No one is against "change", that's way
too broad and ethereal kind of word to use for this. Simply: the close range
of neighbors think it is too big, and are worried about the alley placement,
and worried about the big thickness of density that will transpire. At least
we really know what the neighbors think, and this is most important.
Gina Palandri
Neighbor on 29th Avenue
I'm a resident of the 3700 block of 28th Ave... Also a member of the SENA
board, chair of the SENA housing committee, and I'm causing trouble for TAG and
the Website group...
I'd like to weigh in that I am strongly in favor of the proposed development at
37th & 29th Ave. I bought my house because of the proximity to the 38th Street
station, and I am a proponent of transit oriented development. That means
higher density development when it's closely situated to mass transit. This
proposed development is exactly what is called for in this location.
I think the apartment building will be "appropriate" to its location. It's
always nerve racking when a new building is proposed, but I think it's reckless
to assume that a new higher density housing construct will be a negative
addition to the neighborhood. I take the opposite view. I welcome the new
neighbors, and I welcome the new forms of housing. Not everyone is interested
in maintaining an entire house, and not everyone is interested in maintaining a
yard. I'm glad that the Standish Neighborhood is designed in such a way that it
offers living arrangements for people in all stages of life. I think that the
new development will provide housing for people who desire quality
surroundings, reliable access to work and shopping, and a stable community
surrounding their home. I appreciate all of my neighbors whether they are
renting their home, paying a mortgage, or own outright.
It is also my impression that the developers/landlords of the 29th Street
building are responsible developers/landlords, and honorable individuals. They
have been proactive in meeting with the Standish Neighborhood -- both seeking
the input of SENA and of immediate neighbors, and that should be commended.
I am glad that with this construction there will be more "eyes on the street."
I think our little spot in the world will be better for it.
I regret that I have not had the time in the past number of weeks to be present
at meetings to show my support. I hope the city planners will follow the plan
regarding transit oriented development and allow the construction of this
building.
With all due respect.
Every resident( home-owner) on the block of the proposed development signed a
petition opposed to the development as designed.
Everyone wants their property value to increase, we'd all like to see less
cars, and see LRT that takes us to the places we have to go. But I repeat my
neighbor from across the street, "we all still have to drive most places". We
have to drive to the credit union, our amazing co-ops, nursing homes that our
parents might be, doctor's appts etc. This whole block has to drive most
places. We are all for transit oriented developement, but lets put the bucks
to transit that goes to all the places we have to go. Not just commerce-driven
transit ( i.e: the mall, the airport).
And kudo's to Klodt developers for involving this block. And for all my
neighbors on this block who have hardly ever even spoke to one another for
actually finally coming to a community meeting.
I sat by my next door neighbor at the public hearing, she is a senior, and very
worried about what might happen. She had taken some polaroids ( yes
polaroids..) of the pine trees at the end of the lot, and birds that were in
the trees and taped the polaroids to the notice for the public hearing, she
tried to raise her hand after the endearing planning committee's president said
the public hearing was closed to speak and ask what is going to happen to all
the trees and the birds once the big building is built. She has raised 8
children on this street, and is so worried about what will happen, and how her
property value will be affected, and truely, she is not a "transit-driven"
proponent. She drives to church and to to her Southside Singers choir
practises, and to the grocery store. The density change frightens her.
Those living a block or more away, can find a million reasons why they are
"for" it. Everyone has a right to express their opinion's. But do they want
to live next door to it? Or across the street from it? I suggest a house-swap.
I will come and live in your house a block or so away from the development, and
you come and live in mine. Simple solution, I am sure the entire block will be
happy to switch houses with those that live a block or so away.
Ready for the house-swap!
Gina Palandri
29th Avenue Neighbor