The Rochesterian tells us that the preservation board is currently reviewing a proposal to replace the VFW on University Avenue with a 4-story upscale apartment building. Be sure to read the comments about the project on her post, too!
Housing, Cameras, Skatepark, Weird Book
Update from Eastman House (Feb 2013) and its opposition to project:
Please join us in our pursuit of preserving the East Avenue Preservation District
10 Comments
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If it’s done right, I think it can be a nice addition too. I have, however, already received phone calls from concerned neighbors who heard about the proposed development and are concerned about how it might impact the Eastman House gardens that are directly behind. I’m going to contact the preservation board to see if I can get more details.
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Oh great! So we’re stuck with something completely abandoned and ugly? Seems like a reasonable compromise should be easy in this case… I’m not saying the developer should be able to build whatever they want, as that could be really bad. But I think it’s important to remember that the space is currently completely dead..
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And one of the comments on The Rochesterian said the building is “40/8 club which is American Legion” (not a VFW).
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I agree. I was actually surprised that neighbors called, given that even Rachel doesn’t have that much detail on it yet. I’m guessing neighbors heard about it and they want to make sure it doesn’t ruin the gardens. So, once I get details, I’ll provide some facts to share with those neighbors and then the historic preservation board can do their due diligence, which is the right thing to do.
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Seems like a bit of a pre-reaction! Jeese…
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Yes, that’s why I like to arm people with facts as early as possible so they aren’t basing opinions on rumors. I contacted Peter Siegrist at the city.
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I heard back from Mr. Siegrist. He said “the project is still very much in flux.” The first step is a meeting between the developer and the Eastman House. There are no designs to share yet or even any concrete details, since it is in the very beginning stage of discussion. He will provide updates when details are available.
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Well, it turns out Rachel got the scoop:
“The parcel was recently rezoned at the request of the Eastman House, which had been eying it for development. The Eastman House property backs up to the site.”
In a 7-page letter to the city, Eastman House Drector Bruce Barnes lists his objections to the project. He calls it “too massive.” He said the value of the Eastman properties, including the Hutchison house, would be “diminished” and the complex would “gravely affect the views” from the museum. Barnes also objected to tree removal, lack of open space and additional traffic. ”
http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Proposed-Art-Walk-Apartment-Complex-Draws-Scrutiny/3fldQL-68020rWMhodRtsA.cspx
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The Eastman House has issued a statement of opposition (I just posted it to the “news” section.)
The GEH is concerned about the impact of such a large structure on the tranquility, view, character and surroundings of the historic estate and the district. It is A LOT of apartments. And the grounds/gardens of the Eastman House are so very lovely. I can understand its opposition.
This is a great idea. That area needs some love and is very close to cool walkable things.