PLACE Coalition

page updated Jan. 14, 2007
CONDO-HOTEL ISSUE
The project at 310 & 310 Thach Ave, which prompted the petition below, has been changed from a condo-hotel to a regular condominium development. In addition, the city of Auburn has incorporated a new definition into its zoning ordinance to better regulate combined condominium/hotel projects.
Also, pursuant to discussions with the adjoining neighborhood, the developers and their architect (Joe Ruscin) redesigned their project to address many of the neighborhood's concerns. Changes included: splitting the single building into two smaller ones, more in line with the size & mass of the neighborhood; reorienting the balconies & lights to reduce light pollution for neighbors; etc.
Due to this, the petition below is no longer needed. However other similar situations which threaten the character and existence of traditional single-family neighborhoods in Auburn are likely to arise. Those concerned with preserving single-family neighborhoods in Auburn are encouraged to contact PLACE.

Feel free to make copies of this petition. Please return petitions no later than Tuesday, December 12. Drop off the signed petitions, anytime of the day or night, at 415 Hare Avenue by placing them in the "CO-OP" box (so marked) which is on the mailbox post at the entry to the driveway.

Petition to Oppose Maximun Density Development

Near Established Residential Neighborhoods. Condo-Hotel Project

PC Case # PL-2006-00518

The current proposal as reviewed Oct. 4, 2006 by the City of Auburn Planning Department concerns property located at 310 and 320 Thach Avenue (near Payne Street). The proposed site is approximately 0.83 acre. This property is currently two lots containing single-family residential structures.

Proposed: Construction of a 4-story Condo-Hotel with 28 units containing 68 bedrooms and provision for only 33 parking spaces.

Property Owners: MTR Investments, LLC, Montgomery, Alabama

See attachment for specific objections to the proposed project.

Name Address E-mail

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Specific Objections

(1) The Future Land Use Plan calls for medium density at the proposed site.

(2) Proposed parking is predicated on hotel requirements rather than residential:

� More parking places per bedroom are required for residential development than for hotels.

� No street parking is allowed on Thach Avenue.

� Overflow parking to Payne St. and surrounding residential neighborhoods is a major concern. (Reduction in on-campus parking already has caused the area to be saturated with non-resident parking.)

(3) Thach Avenue is a major artery for traffic moving to and from the University and town center. Density of the development would add to a traffic situation which is already congested.

(4) A 4-story structure is out of character with the surrounding neighborhood.

(5) Noise and light pollution are important considerations in a high-rise structure adjacent to a Neighborhood Conservation zone.

(6) Presently, there is no commercial usage on the south side of Thach Avenue.

(7) Given current vacancy rates with existing condos in the community, alternative uses could create problems for the neighborhood in the future.