“It’s a hard one, because Hillcrest needs the parking badly. On the other hand, it’s really going to impact the community.”
— Leo Wilson, Chair of Uptown Community Planning Group
(regarding the proposed 301 University condo development in the heart of the ’hood)
A followup letter from Steve Satz (Vice Chair of Uptown Planners) regarding 301 University —
First: The building is 14 stories high. Not counting the parking decks is a common trick that developers use to make their buildings seem smaller. It’s 148 feet — 14 stories, not 12.
Second: I don’t remember any affordable housing. These condos will start at one million dollars.
Third: The developer had many meetings with the community. At every meeting they were told “The building is too high and too big for Hillcrest.” At each subsequent meeting they came back with a larger building. They may have attended these meetings, but they obviously did not listen. Is Hillcrest ready for a 14-story tower?
I love how they spin things. We always ask for upgraded materials on higher buildings. They advertised that after listening to the community they decided to use stucco. We view this as a negative, and have stated so to the developer. Once more they did not listen to the community.
They are going to “try” to include 121 public parking spaces on the Third Avenue side. Uptown Planners was skeptical that this would ever happen. Unless the public parking is made to be part of the conditions imposed by City Council it probably won’t happen. It is wishful thinking. They also advertise a gym and other facilities (exclusively for the owners — not the community). What are they doing for Hillcrest?!? savehillcrest.com
(HQ note: Steve has been a resident of University Heights for four years.)
