While the process of “getting it right” on our zoning code update has at times seemed contentious, I believe we speak for all citizens in recognizing that City Council members have demonstrated the patience of Job in addressing the numerous details involved. Anyone who has tried to read through the draft code, let alone keep track of many revisions, must appreciate the effort our representatives have put in. Moreover, Council members have shown forbearance in listening to comments, concerns, and complaints over the past six months, which no doubt began to sound at times like a broken record. This has been a meaningful civics lesson for many of us, and we want to extend sincere thanks to Council for their engagement and service.
At the same time, a spirit of collaboration has been lacking. Some of the concerns raised by citizens were embraced, but the main issue of neighborhood deterioration continues to be largely dismissed with promises to keep trying in the future. Meanwhile, the proposal to increase rental units in the most densely populated parts of town remains on the table. Indeed, it appears to be favored by most members, despite the obvious trend we’ve seen over the decades for rentals to drive out homeowners and fall prey to poor maintenance.
It is ironic that the young professionals our town hopes to retain are now begging for options other than the substandard student rentals that have been allowed to proliferate for so many years.
The planning documents of 2014 and 2018, so often cited as the guiding light for current proposals, emphasized the importance of homeownership and neighborhood preservation. Those provisions have been overlooked in favor of a New Urbanism orthodoxy. We call on Council to work with us in genuine collaboration — not a “City fathers know best” approach — to design a zoning plan that represents the wishes of the majority of the PR residents.
True, a diversity of opinions has been voiced at recent hearings, but it is undeniable that the overwhelming majority of those who’ve spoken and written oppose more two-unit dwellings on blocks already stacked with multi-unit and over-occupied buildings. Work with us to find solutions to the affordability problem, implement design standards to maintain the quality of traditional neighborhoods, and meet the needs of a contemporary college town.
Don’t dismiss us. We’ve been here a long time, and we’re not going away.
John Sampen and Marilyn Shrude
The Board of The East Side Neighborhood Group
Diane Vogtsberger
Elizabeth Burroughs and Yale J. Sussman
Sandy Wicks
Penny Evans-Meyer and Jim Evans
Christen Giblin
Andrea Van Vorhis
Vassiliki Leontis
Faith Olson-Elsea
Steve and Beth Ricard
Kathleen Dennis
Joseph Solus
Thomas R. Knox
Winnie and Bob Rex
Christina Humble
John Zanfardino
Gary R. Hess and Rose C. Hess
Francine Auchmuty
Les and Sue Barber
Robb and Mary Lou Riday
Rose and David Drain
Emily Dunipace
Sue Midden
Anesa Miller
Victoria Dankert
Carol Bell
John and Betsy Roberts
Patricia L. Wise
Dave Maley
Barbara Allen
Andy and Kim Layden
Jan Knape
Mary Laflin
Carol Smestad
Robin Veitch
Jeanne Langendorfer
Steven E. Boone
Betty F. Coggin
Elizabeth Jean Wood
Jeff and Stacey Higgins
