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8.A. - Page 335 Statement on Fin e�•Avenue Aesthetics I am a Finger Avenue i�esident or nexghbar, who walks, bicycles or otherwise enjoys the Finger Avenue st��eetscape. I have seen tlie plans far the McGowan nine-lat develaprnenk, and conclude that it will substantially degrade the existing visual character and quality of the site and its surroundings, What is in;iportant aesthetically about my neighborhood is the semi-rural character of tl�e north side of Finger Avenue, with many homes set far hack from the street. The apgearance of large aralounts of apen space with mature, old growtli trees,provides a striking backdrop ta the homes. The contrast between tHe north side of Finger Aventie and its south side, with its n�any quaint, early 24th century bunga�ows and cottages, is something that's unique to Redwood City and treasured by its residents. E�.amples of how the Finger Aveizue Project significant�y degf•ades the aesthetics of our neig�barhood are: • Canstivction of twa horzaes widi wiae two-story facades set back t�e minirnum a2lowable distance from the street. '�iere are no ho�ses that Iarge set that clase to khe street anywI�ere in aur neighborhood, ' • Nowhere else on Finger A�enue are homes t��is large placed on lots this smal�, • All of the homes are af sirnilar size and a�l two-story, as oppvsed to the n�i�:of honze sizes and heights that are representative of tl�e north side of Pi�ger A�enue. ■ Most of these nine hames wil�be viewable from tlie public street, There is little open space and the homes are only set back a small distan,ce from the nat7ow that se�ves them (some fram 3ft—$ft from tlie alleyway.) Novvhere in our neigh�oiliood are houses situated in this fashion. • A de�velopment this densely packed is inco��atible witli the presence of large mature trees on t�e site. THe eventual loss of these trees will be irrevetsible. � The breakvp af the no�th side of Finger Ar+e, by crsating two nevcr intersectior�s. Tt�e narrov►�alleyway builk for the development fails to integrate witl� Finger Avenue b)�not having a sidewalk or planting strip againsk the roadway. • The one-way alleyway will��eqvire sh•eet signs on Finger A�e to direct traffic,further comprt>mising the aharacter af the north side of the sta•eet. � Thc overall mass ana sca]e of this deveiopment is completely out of place in our neighborhood, out of c�aracter for the north side of Finger Avenue and it will only lead #o further degradation of tl�e unique character and quality of our street, � I f� 7 �`/��/f ,., ~7., Name� �`-�j�F �.�� e_._ � J Addt'ess cir. ,�i'r�s`�1 � �y � /� Date r