A new 33-unit condo complex is being planned for the far east end of Broad St in Church Hill, which has Church Hill People’s News readers up in arms. Here’s a few pictures of the renderings, complements of John Murden:
The plans are for 3618 E. Broad (click for map), near Chimborazo park.
Church Hill residents are upset by the plan’s architecture, location, density, and assumed parking and traffic issues. A bitch session and opposition-panning is ongoing in the comments section of the CHPN article about the project (85 comments as of 12/16, 11 am).
Now, the project’s opponents make some valid points, but it’s hard for me to take them seriously because of their history of NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) regarding almost any new development. Some vocal church hill residents have opposed Echo Harbor on the riverfront, a development below Jefferson Park on Marshall St., and challenged the density of the St. Patrick’s School condo project.
Now I’m all for neighborhood activism and residents taking an active approach in shaping their neighborhood. And where the CHPN commenters are logical in their opposition, I support them. But I have issues with the folks who eschew reason in favor of fear-mongering, who for example say the postal workers can’t handle the extra work, and that renters are always problematic (both critiques were leveled at this condo proposal).
Did Tobacco Row apartments create problems for E. Cary St. with the influx of renters? Did the postal service collapse? Did crime increase?
Now, I don’t think the units are as ugly as most at CHPN seem to, but I agree that they’re out-of-place in Church Hill. But, unlike many of the opponents, I personally celebrate infill development that brings more residents to the city, develops vacant urban lots rather than rural farmland, and increases the demand for stores and other services in an under-served area.
Greater density also helps make public transit more economically feasible.
So, to be clear, I do not support or oppose this project in concept- and I’m happy that residents are actively involved in shaping their neighborhood. But those that are irrational NIMBYists need to realize that urban neighborhoods are vibrant because they’re always changing and that cities benefit from greater density- when done right.
December 17, 2007 at 10:36 am
I agree with you. It’s funny how many people cry for “more restaurants, shopping, activity”, then undermine the very tool used to enable them…I do need to read/see more, though to make a fully informed decision…
December 17, 2007 at 10:40 pm
posted by Laura Daab at December 13, 2007 3:56 pm :
Yes, bill apparently you read without understanding quite often as indicated by your muddled, negative sarcastic and misinformed opinions & posts on this site.
You obviously have no idea how papers are introduced as indicated by your ill-advised post on #33.
bill lafoon & Joey (if that’s your real name):
When was the last time you were at a public hearing and took a stand for anything positive for our community? When was the last time you volunteered for something that effected change for the better in our community? When have either of you had the integrity to identify yourselves when you attack me?
It doesn’t take balls to post on here and sit around in your shit-stained underwear attacking and takiing smarmy, clever little jabs at folks.
It takes balls to actually take a stand and then get off you ass and go out into the community and do something about it.
I don’t know who “joey” is. I have never seen or heard you at any public meetings or associations or social gatherings.
Although I know who you are Mr. Lafoon, your reputation preceeds you.
bill:
You may be right, Ms. Freund might get her way in the end because of very poor planning that happened many years ago.
You can can pontificate from your throne and tell us that you told us so. Won’t that make you feel like the big dude!
You’re always bitching about how people don’t have a life on this site, but you post more than anyone I’ve ever seen – even me. And your comments are vapid at best.
I know that you won’t have the time to show up for any public hearings or association meetings because your time is so valuable and your work schedule so full as you have so often told us. What a joke!
Your just a sad old fart Mr. Lafoon.
And Joey, hope to meet you at the next meeting you attend, if you have the integrity and balls to approach me and identify yourself.
December 18, 2007 at 9:19 am
Not sure why someone felt the need to post that here, but the above is an excerpt from the CHPN debate referenced in this post. Lovely!
December 18, 2007 at 9:36 am
I am not going to give a hard opinion on this.
In Oregon Hill a lot of people complain about the details of the Overlook condos. While I understand those complaints, I find myself reminding people that the Overlook condos are a godsend compared to what we were facing before- a gated high rise.
I support citizens not settling and demanding the best for their neighborhoods, but I also want them to recognize that things could always be worst.
December 27, 2007 at 6:43 pm
That was an interesting post.
From Bill, by Laura, about Bill, Joey, Mr. Lafoon and Ms. Fruend, none of whom seem to have any balls. Hmmm? At least two of them have a good excuse.
December 27, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Regarding the CHPN and the current debate, I don’t think I fall in the same tax bracket as most of the participants, actually I’m pretty sure I don’t, but nevertheless I agree with your point about NIMBYism. I think it’s right on. It seems to be a case of “we got ours, now go get yours, somewhere else.”
I may be the last one left alive who still believes in an urban ballpark. I just can’t resist the idea of 500,000 suburbanites spending their money and time downtown. I also want to walk downhill to see a ballgame, wander Shockoe bottom after the game with the crowds and take a bus back home.
Wait a second. Am I off topic?
Ah yes, NIMBYism. Church Hillians were among the most vociferous oponents for what seemed like purely selfish reasons. My thinking has always been that if you want a quiet slice of the American pie you move to Chesterfield or Henrico, not Church Hill.