Development at City People's: Change must be thought out

Save Madison Valley is a nonprofit group of neighbors that organized to bring responsible development to Madison Valley.  We want development that is responsive to the goals of our community, and fits architecturally with the unique plot of land where Madison Valley’s beloved City People’s Garden Store has stood for almost 30 years. 

We are not against development and we are not “development skeptics,” as we were labeled in Madison Park Times’ May 27 article.  Instead, we know that there are many ways a development on this site could do much better with regard to its size, scale, and contribution to the community.

Another correction:  The development is not a “three story complex with underground parking garage.”  It will be over four stories (47 feet) on Madison; six stories on Dewey Place; with two stories of garage exposed to the valley.  Two sides of this building abut a residential neighborhood with no appreciable buffer or transition.  There will be 23 feet between the open garage and homes on one side; 15 feet between a blank wall and homes on another side. 

A summary of what we find objectionable about this project as it presently stands is:

• the height, bulk and scale of the building dramatically overwhelms the site
• a mature urban tree canopy and green space will be removed
• a two-story parking garage will be open and exposed on one-side, sending fumes, light, and noise onto single-family homes 23 feet away and over the entire northern end of the valley
• a large blank wall will stand 15 feet from single-family homes on one side
• the entire hillside that City People’s sits on will be removed and replaced by a garage
• on the side facing the valley this four-story building will actually be six stories
• a 158-car garage, significantly more than the city requires.  The building will be two blocks from a Bus Rapid Transit line and this excess parking is counter to the focus on increased public transportation in our area
• of particular concern to Madison Park residents is that the garage will open onto East Madison Street, which is two lanes and already heavily congested at peak traffic times
• only market rate (no affordable) housing is being offered
• no family housing is included (predominantly studio and 1-bedroom apartments)

We feel this “anti-green” building is disrespectful of our community.  It is misplaced in its scale and scope and will have a detrimental impact on the area stretching from Madison Park to Capitol Hill.  It is an attempt to squeeze every possible dollar out of this lovely property on the backs of the surrounding neighbors and the larger Madison Valley community.

Here is a sample of what we would like to see: 

• a smaller grocery, 10-15,000 square feet
• the minimal number of parking spaces possible allotted
• affordable housing for families (e.g., 3-bedroom units), which would also minimize the impact of cars on the already over-burdened Madison Street
• the green space and tree canopy preserved and the natural topography respected

Many people are not aware that this project is in its beginning stages.  The first design review meeting takes place this month.  There, the architect and developer meet with the city and the community – all three have a place at the table – to discuss this project.  We are doing our part to help our community grow in a way that we can all respect, be proud of, and enjoy.  You can find out more and contact us at www.savemadisonvalley.org.