AgdaPkt 2012-07-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

8.A. - Page 344 Sfatement an Fin�erAvenueAesthetics I am a FingerA�enue resident or neighbor, wlio walks,bicycles or otliervuise enjoys the Finger A�enue streetscape. I have seen the plar�s for the McGowan nine-lot develop�nent, and canclude that it will substa.�.tially degrade the existing visua� cl�aracter and quaiity af the site and its sunoundings. Wiaat is important aesthetically about my neighbarhood is the semi�rural character of the north side af Finger Avenue, with many hames set far back from the street. The appearance of large amounts of open space with r�ature,old growth trees,provides a striking backdrap to the homes. The contrast between the north side of FingerAvenue and its soutl�side,with its many quaint, early 20�h century bungalows arad cottages,is sorr�ething t�at's uiuque to Redwood City and treasured by its residents. Examples af how the Finger Avenue Project significantly degrades the aeskl�etics of aur neighborhood are: • Construction of two homes with wide two-stary facades set back the minimum allowable distance fram the street. Tliere are no houses tliat�arge set that cIose to the street anywl�ere in our neighbor�ood. - • Nowhere else on Fi�ger Avenue are l�ames this ia��ge placed on tots tlus smalI. � Alf of tlie homes are of similar size and alI two-stoxy,as opposed to tk�e rr�ix of home sizes and heights that are representati�s of the north side af Finger Ave�xue. • Most of these nine i�omes will be viewable fi•om the public st�•eet.Tliere is little open space and die ljomes are only set back a small distance from the n�rrow that serves them (some from 3ft—6ft fi•om the a!leyway.) Nowhere in our neighborhood are houses sitUated in this fashio�. • A development this densely pac�ced is incompatible with the presence of large mature trees on the site.The eventua� loss of these tt�ees will be irrevezsible. . Ttie breakup of the noith side of Finger Ave. by creating two n ew intersections.The narrow alleyway built for the develaprnent fails to integrate with Finger Avenue by not having a sidewalk ar planting st�•ip against the roadway. • The one-way alleyway will require street signs on Finger Ave to direct traffic, further compromising the character of the north side of the street. The averall mass and scale of this development is comp�etely out ofplaee in our neighborhood,out of character for tT�e north side of Finger Avenue an d it wi�l onIy lead to furtk�er degradation af the unique character and yuality of our st�•eet. Name �W� V �� r r i' � � 1� Address � �� ' " � � � �� Date J �� t ��` `