2/4/2009 10:19:00 AM Despite strong opposition, apartments appear likely
Developer Joe McCormick explains his proposal to residents of the Chapel Valley neighborhood on Jan. 29.
Ryan Dostalek ConnectFitchburg.com
After meeting with him three times, residents are friendlier toward Joe McCormick, but they still wish he and his project would go away.
That's doesn't appear likely, however.
Residents fear McCormick's proposed 128 "luxury" apartments on the western edge of McKee Farms Park will spawn traffic congestion, loud parties, plummeting property values and crime. Not so, insisted McCormick, who says tenants will be well-behaved, hard-working young professionals likely to own homes in the area after a few years.
Members of the Chapel Valley Neighborhood Association have won some concessions from McCormick, such as modifying the design so the apartments don't seem like an unbroken wall. However, their major objection is the density of the project - and McCormick said he won't give on that point. And in a preliminary review of the project on Jan. 20, the Plan Commission gave a thumbs-up to McCormick's plans, saying it was consistent with the original plan for the area developed in 1994.
McCormick presented plans for two-, three- or four story buildings. The plan with two-story units failed to meet the city's standards for green space. Commissioner John Freiburger called the plan with four, three-story buildings "a good compromise" and said it was more difficult to design an appealing four-story building.
He said changing the plan would be "patently unfair" to someone who adhered to the original plan.
"It would be no more fair than building high-density (units) first and then precluding (the construction of) single-family homes," he said
McCormick said it might eventually be possible to convert apartments to condos.
A representative of the Seminole Glen condos on the east side of the park also expressed their opposition to the project, saying it was too dense.
Ald. Steve Arnold said high-density development offered several advantages, including better utilization of and security for the adjacent park, the preservation of open space and a reduction in sprawl.
Beth Junge from the neighborhood association said more than 600 residents had signed a petition opposing the scale and density of the development, which she said was not compatible with the existing neighborhood. She also recommended constructing units marketed for mature adults, who would have fewer cars and make fewer trips than young professionals.
Ald. Jay Allen said he had been told the streets could accommodate the additional traffic and demand for parking. The three-story units will provide 1.78 parking spaces per apartment (including one underground parking stall); surface parking can be expanded later to provide two stalls per apartment.
Ald. Richard Bloomquist, who lives in the neighborhood, compared the apartments to "rabbits living in a warren" and predicted that it would prompt residents to move from the area and would "forever change the nature of the surrounding area."
High-density would be more acceptable if it had been included in the first phase of development so residents knew what to expect, he said. "I have yet to receive a call from any resident saying they think this is a great idea," he said.
'This is a good spot for dense development," said Commissioner Jim Anderson.
There was a heated exchange between Arnold and Bloomquist in the hall after they spoke at the Plan Commission. Bloomquist later said he would consider supporting Arnold's opponent in the April election.
Bloomquist recommended reducing the number of apartments by one-third to one-half. He has drafted an ordinance to reduce the density and building height of the apartments.
The definition of 'luxury'
At the Jan. 29 meeting, residents questioned the claim that these were "luxury" apartments, in part because, if converted to condos, units would sell for only $150,000 to $175,000.
McCormick insisted high density ultimately benefited the neighborhood because it made it possible to install amenities, such as a clubhouse and swimming pool, and allow for full-time on-site staffing that attracts and keeps desirable tenants.
"I know what works and what doesn't," McCormick said. "I wouldn't build them if I didn't think I could rent them. He said several unsuccessful developments in the area had failed, due in part in adequate density.
Residents contended that McCormick wouldn't be around in 20 years if the units deteriorated and crime increased, but McCormick said he doesn't operate that way. Concerns that his apartments would turn into the troubled former Ridgewood Apartments are unfounded. He attributed Ridgewood's problems to its size (800 apartments) and a bar in its midst, which was open after bars in Madison closed.
He said tenants in similar apartments he owns on the west side of Madison tend to work long hours and probably view an apartment as an interim measure to purchasing a house.
There will probably be only a few families with children, he said. Cats will be permitted.
McCormick expects the $10-$12 million project will be completed next spring.The apartment project is the latest example of homeowners objecting to plans viewed as in the best overall interest of the city.
A few years ago, residents objected to features of the new Oak Meadow development, and convinced city officials to eliminate some features, such as a convenience store, and modify others to fit in with the existing neighborhood.
Residents still want fewer apartments on the 5.6-acre site and asked whether proponents would want to live near such an apartment complex.
"I still don't want you in our neighborhood," a resident told McCormick.
