tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post3701090327938157306..comments2024-01-15T02:23:35.217-06:00Comments on allinaword: Developer's Plans Stir Debate in Small CommunityChristopherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-48622416041626874612012-01-20T23:04:05.870-06:002012-01-20T23:04:05.870-06:00Anonymous (from Jan 18): Thank you for your commen...Anonymous (from Jan 18): Thank you for your comments - you have brought to my attention some environmental issues I hadn't considered.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-69419668138699731122012-01-18T19:56:49.269-06:002012-01-18T19:56:49.269-06:00Linden Hills neighbors and visitors: Here are 5 co...Linden Hills neighbors and visitors: Here are 5 compelling reasons to reject Mary Dwyer’s development:<br />1.Overcrowding and more traffic: The village is already overcrowded. Stuffing 30 condos into that corner means a lot more cars, more road and sidewalk traffic, and a less “easy” and casual lifestyle that both residents and visitors have valued.<br />2.MORE AIR POLLUTION: <br />A) Vehicle exhaust pollution: Linden Hills can’t sustain more air pollution from vehicle exhaust.<br />B)Fragrance chemical pollution: Scented dryer sheets may contaminate neighborhood air from collective washer and dryer vents at the condo complex, in addition to exhaust from businesses.<br />3.Restaurant cooking smells, and restaurant wood burning: Restaurant fumes also pollute public spaces and nearby neighborhood air. Famous Dave’s already emits toxic wood smoke. Does Linden Hills need another restaurant? <br />4.Real estate devaluation: Homes near the development would likely sell for less, because of proximity to the increasingly commercial hub and fear of breathing more restaurant and condo fumes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-26117606079495988822011-09-06T17:23:20.102-05:002011-09-06T17:23:20.102-05:00Anonymous (from Sept. 5):
Thanks for the post. I&...Anonymous (from Sept. 5):<br /><br />Thanks for the post. I'm sure some of the points you raise will prompt more debate.<br /><br />Incidentally, I don't think Betsy Hodges is allowed to take a position one way or the other until some time after the formal application has been submitted to the city.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-9585629265202292412011-09-05T23:56:51.120-05:002011-09-05T23:56:51.120-05:00Oh I forgot to mention that given Mark has no maj...Oh I forgot to mention that given Mark has no major (possibly less than 1% ) stake in the project. He has absolutely no say as to what goes in to the development. The investors do.<br /><br />Anonymous again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-44067310516925762032011-09-05T23:40:26.022-05:002011-09-05T23:40:26.022-05:00First of all, it's fine to be anonymous. There...First of all, it's fine to be anonymous. There are many who know Mark and are part of LHBA that do not feel they can speak freely as he is chair of LHBA.<br /><br />It's worth noting that no-one knows who the developers really are, and that Mark is simply the project manager who will take his fee and be done with the project. Mark has indeed mentioned Chipotle and a 24 hour fitness center such as Snap Fitness as welcome businesses. It's also to be recognized that investors AND lenders will want AAA credit-rated businesses and that spells national branding. Not your Zumbro, Tillia, Navyia, etc....<br /><br />Return on investment is the name of the game and whereas that is not a bad thing in itself, it does spell franchise for the area. <br /><br />Mark is not the developer. He has no real equity and only controls the land package through options. So it's not about Mark, it's about the corner. And for the developers' return.<br /><br />Yes, we need more infrastructure there, both housing and retail but scale is important in its contribution to the overall uniqueness of this node. This corner has been used for years as a model of urban commercial use by urban architects. It is vital that it is not developed out of scale. It is the lack of commercial uniformity in that has made it unique.<br /><br />In the articles I have read, only Lynette Lamb and Felicity Britton of Linden Hills Light and Power have advocated for this project. Where is the Council person on all this?! Either the zoning is upheld or not. Where is she talking to her constituency? Where is the leadership? As far as I can tell LHNIiC has become the conduit for Mark instead of the Linden Hills residents and Betsy Hodges is missing in action. Maybe she's decided this is her last term. Regardless, she needs to get out front and find out if her neighborhood wants her to advocate for a conditional use permit to allow a code favor, or uphold the overlay for 3 stories. Hello Betsy, are you around? And LNHiC, who are you representing here? It doesn't seem your neighborhood. You spend more time keeping people from building space above their garages than you're spending on this issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-43078060871262644002011-08-25T23:31:13.482-05:002011-08-25T23:31:13.482-05:00Michael:
I think that scale and economy are intr...Michael: <br /><br />I think that scale and economy are intrinsically linked. In my article I attempted to say that if building to the scale proposed is the only way this development can be economically viable, and if that isn’t what the community wants, then something has gone awry. You have made this point even clearer to me.<br /><br />Thank you.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-36694035011888072252011-08-25T15:18:49.955-05:002011-08-25T15:18:49.955-05:00It seems that Mark has gotten into an economic bin...It seems that Mark has gotten into an economic bind because he bought options on the land that is predicated on his being able to get a 5 story building. <br /><br />This points to a fundamental issue that sellers and developers tend to assign a value to a parcel based on the assumption that a variance or conditional-use permit will be obtained. Once that valuation occurs, the developer then rightly argues that the only economically viable plan is to get the variance/permit. The challenge is to break the culture of over-valuation.Michael Altmannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12498313602364665789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-83678253520197168252011-08-24T16:23:59.929-05:002011-08-24T16:23:59.929-05:00Mary:
I can’t comment on the possibility or non-p...Mary:<br /><br />I can’t comment on the possibility or non-possibility of a Chipotle, though I suspect Mr. Dwyer would not want to do anything that would further diminish his chances of getting neighborhood support.<br /><br />I agree that the current design does not fit the area, either in style or scale. I remain surprised that the development team thought that they could get community buy-in for something so massive and out of place.<br /><br />It is a testament to the feeling for our community that to date over 1000 people have signed the petition opposing it.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-20792233086812342452011-08-24T10:24:33.399-05:002011-08-24T10:24:33.399-05:00Mr. Dwyer stated he would love to see a Chipotle i...Mr. Dwyer stated he would love to see a Chipotle in his building so he definitely would not turn away a chain tenant. With regard to conspiracy theories, Mr. Dwyer stated he is being paid a fee to get this development through. He has not revealed for whom he is facilitating. This proposed building is suburban in size and looks and is not appropriate for a narrow street like Upton Avenue. It would look ridiculous.Mary Marlowehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04803925228316311416noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-48436903922255587382011-08-14T13:55:19.970-05:002011-08-14T13:55:19.970-05:00AGNTPLZ:
There are a lot of anonymous posts in ge...AGNTPLZ:<br /><br />There are a lot of anonymous posts in general, but I did notice that all of those in favor posted anonymously.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-6077961236981162282011-08-14T01:32:25.562-05:002011-08-14T01:32:25.562-05:00Here's the funny bit about the comment section...Here's the funny bit about the comment section. Everyone who likes the idea of Linden Corner is posting anonymously. What gives?AGNTPLZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10116380339091137240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-44320479294277269972011-07-31T22:44:27.072-05:002011-07-31T22:44:27.072-05:00Jenny:
You have summed up through the written wo...Jenny: <br /><br />You have summed up through the written word many of the sentiments I have heard people express verbally these past few weeks. <br /><br />Thanks for the post.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-73389022095683865922011-07-31T22:14:14.811-05:002011-07-31T22:14:14.811-05:00I was born and raised in linden hills. I've t...I was born and raised in linden hills. I've traveled the world, but this is the place I call home. This is where I've chosen to raise my children. What do I love about my linden hills? I love that it's quaint and charming and unique and idyllic. I love that it's an urban village - a cottage community with a rich history. I love that it's buildings are imperfect and small - that it has everything I need. <br />I understand that the developer has said there is a need for his building here, but that he can't and he won't build within the current zoning guidelines because the development wouldn't be profitable for him if he did. So, ultimately, this is really about what's best for him, not what's best for our community? I don't want a FIVE STORY mixed use building with underground parking in my Linden Hills. Who designs the building, what materials it's made of, who will inhabit it etc. are all beside the point for me. Frank Gehry could design a masterpiece for that corner, but if it didn't adhere to, and respect our neighborhood's zoning regulations - I would still be opposed. I am not at all opposed to development - I am opposed to a monster development. I respect that the developer has a vision, I just hope that he takes his 5-story vision somewhere else!Jennynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-71484061352964969122011-07-30T15:30:45.641-05:002011-07-30T15:30:45.641-05:00Wow.
I have to say, I am so surprised by how low...Wow. <br /><br />I have to say, I am so surprised by how low people are getting on both sides! I was undecided until recently, and made up my mind still being open for suggestions. <br /><br />Do I think that conspiracy theories from those opposed to the project are a bit ridiculous? YES. <br /><br />But what bothers me even more is Anonymous' post from July 28, 2011 3:05 PM, in which he or she provides a link to reputation damaging material about an outspoken opponent from the anti-project side. <br /><br />I had clicked it out of curiosity to see how it pertained to this subject, and it doesn't, except to show ill will. <br /><br />Let's keep it classy, people. Christopher wrote a wonderful opinion piece, and as someone who continues to be weighing the benefits of building or not, I learned some new things from it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-89078427809670019072011-07-28T20:51:48.780-05:002011-07-28T20:51:48.780-05:00Mark listens, but I would be interested in hearing...Mark listens, but I would be interested in hearing if he has made any serious adaptions or compromises to concerns from neighbors and residents?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-16410243443274939722011-07-28T19:03:51.604-05:002011-07-28T19:03:51.604-05:00Agreed about some of the conspiracy theories!
I ...Agreed about some of the conspiracy theories! <br /><br />I wrote my article to show both sides of the story largely because I wanted to encourage debate and provide links so that people could do their own research and reach their own conclusions. <br /><br />Even though I am against the development in its present form, I wanted to present both sides of the coin. It is unlikely I’ll write another similar article, primarily because I am in agreement with lots of residents who share similar concerns about the size and zoning. <br /><br />Added to this, I was recently contacted by a journalist from a local paper to speak about it so presenting an impartial face would not be fair as I do plan to continue to interact with all my neighbors who express similar concerns and who are willing to make their voices heard. <br /><br />I like your point about waiting for more information. That is key.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-64544666630712009102011-07-28T15:10:37.375-05:002011-07-28T15:10:37.375-05:00Anonymous said: "The option prices Dwyer has ...Anonymous said: "The option prices Dwyer has on the land assemblage are so high that nobody would buy his options to build a 3 story project." Does anyone know what those prices are?? What are you basing that statement on?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-27467612069953810922011-07-28T15:05:54.301-05:002011-07-28T15:05:54.301-05:00I love these conspiracy theories! Don't you th...I love these conspiracy theories! Don't you think Mark Dwyer's reputation is on the line, and if he was really "pulling a swift one" he would lose all credibility and friends in the neighborhood where he lives and works? All this stuff has to be disclosed at some point anyway. I have only known Mark for a couple of years but he is the definition of transparent. I would take his ethics over some on the opposing side: http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2010/07/plagiarism_inc.php<br /><br />I have been impressed by the willingness of Mark to sit down with those with opposing views and listen to their concerns. But I've known Kristin from Clanceys for years and I think she's great. I am waiting for more information to take a definitive stand. Please continue to provide information showing 2 sides to the story. Many people are undecided at this early point.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-32029741790638115492011-07-28T12:36:46.881-05:002011-07-28T12:36:46.881-05:00The option prices Dwyer has on the land assemblage...The option prices Dwyer has on the land assemblage are so high that nobody would buy his options to build a 3 story project. Numbers would not work at 3 stories, maybe don't work at 5. Dwyer has never done a real estate development before. The "walk before you run" adage is out the door on this one. Maybe the real developer with experience is hiding behind a curtain until a later time to have his identity disclosed. But, if so, why?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-30899183992782651792011-07-28T09:50:09.313-05:002011-07-28T09:50:09.313-05:00Let's start a campaign to businesses we WANT i...Let's start a campaign to businesses we WANT in the neighborhood -Cafe Maude, Brasa or Alma would be AWESOME! <br /><br />As Tilia has shown and East Street shows, more restaurants bring more restaurant goers - seems like Cafe 28 and Naviya have benefited from Tilia -they get all the overflow from people who don't want to wait.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-83903839436829752252011-07-28T09:45:26.406-05:002011-07-28T09:45:26.406-05:00I think the business association has consistently ...I think the business association has consistently been against chains and it is VERY UNLIKELY a chain would ever come in to Linden Hills. The owner of the (then) Garden Sampler was at one time considering Starbucks on that corner and all the other business owners met with him together and separately to convince him not to do it. As head of the Business Association Mr Dwyer has also consistently spoken out against chains, he is not going to risk MORE flack from the community. <br /><br />Also, most chains require more parking than the mom and pop type businesses that LC has parking for. <br /><br />I take your point about height and scale of the building. It is a concern. What we need to be aware of is that Mr Dwyer can easily sell his options and such to another developer who will NOT be as concerned about the neighbors and built right out to 7 feet from each residential structure - as allowed by code -and make it 3 stories. That would be much worse -a complete eyesore - in my view.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-20018753964986990852011-07-27T22:50:48.626-05:002011-07-27T22:50:48.626-05:00Anonymous (from 7/27, 6:36 pm):
"…imagine - ...Anonymous (from 7/27, 6:36 pm):<br /><br />"…imagine - a folk art school for painting, poetry, writing, kayak building, etc." <br /><br />Thanks for the post. Your words paint a wonderful picture of a vibrant community and I would welcome such businesses here. Do you feel that this is a likely scenario, or do you think chains are a more realistic prospect?<br /><br />From chatting with people, I DO think the neighborhood is open to things, but I don’t feel that a building of the size proposed is the right answer. I also feel that most residents want the current zoning respected.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-87690937191907371902011-07-27T18:36:09.417-05:002011-07-27T18:36:09.417-05:00I was at Cafe Maude last night and heard some inte...I was at Cafe Maude last night and heard some interesting (unsubstantiated) things floating around. Owner of Maudes Kevin used to own the Dunn Bros in Linden Hills so is very familiar with the neighborhood. There was some talk that he might be interested in putting another Maude type restaurant in LC. <br /><br />There was also discussion about James Beard award winner Alex Roberts putting in either a Restaurant Alma or Brasa -wouldn't that be awesome? Anyone who's eaten at either place must surely be excited to hear a rumor like that. Also book author Nancy Carlson was there and lamented the closing of the Split Rock school where she used to teach writing. She asked if there was a place in Linden Hills that could house such a school...imagine - a folk art school for painting, poetry, writing, kayak building, etc. <br /><br />There has also been talk of a gym, but I myself can't get excited about that unless it has a pool. But it did open my eyes to the exciting possibilities that COULD come in if the neighborhood could dream big and be open to things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-34544961134296968462011-07-26T23:48:27.867-05:002011-07-26T23:48:27.867-05:00Thanks to all for the comments in response to my a...Thanks to all for the comments in response to my article. I hope I have given adequate space to both sides of the argument, though I clearly have my own views. With that in mind, I thank Mark Dwyer for being willing to meet me - even though he knew I wasn't keen on the proposed development.<br /><br />At the end of the day, I believe in open debate and any overly ill-considered comments to this blog are not encouraged.<br /><br />Thanks for taking the time to stop by to read what I have written. Like each of you, I only want the best for my community.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-976138173290619925.post-84299575800962873122011-07-26T10:32:01.577-05:002011-07-26T10:32:01.577-05:00Anonymous (from July 26, 10:11 am):
I think you m...Anonymous (from July 26, 10:11 am):<br /><br />I think you make some super points, especially with regard to quality of construction, and I am in agreement with a lot of what you say. My overriding issue is with the size and scale of what is being proposed.Christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15051979669599795770noreply@blogger.com