The BPNA Board of Directors has been speaking up for our neighborhood on several important issues lately:
JPI – More Apartments Planned
Representatives of the developer have met with Chris Craig, seeking the neighborhood’s support for setback variances and creation of a “subarea” that would allow a higher parking garage than what is permitted under the current restrictions, Initial reaction is not favorable, but it is our intention to give all developers the courtesy of a fair hearing.
JPI will make a presentation to the full board on Monday, August 6, at 6 p.m. at the pool clubhouse. ALL NEIGHBORS ARE INVITED.
Some of you who were involved in meetings regarding the first JPI development will have valuable perspectives-your input is important.
Ross Avenue
Planning Commissioner Larry Wheat is leading a study of Ross Avenue. He met with the BPNA Board on June 26, to find out how the neighborhood would view possible re-zoning of the entire Ross strip with a new kind of Urban Corridor zoning. There are good arguments for and against, and it will take a long time to sort out the numerous viewpoints. The board’s initial reaction was “Interested but nervous.”
Some of the points that came out in our discussion: many of the existing businesses are Park quite profitable and not motivated to change; and the street needs to be rebuilt, perhaps along the line of Main Street’s improvements. As usual, no one had a kind word to say for reversible lanes. We will keep the neighborhood informed of any future meetings.
Live Oak Bank
The BPNA board and particularly Chris Craig have assisted Live Oak Bank in meeting our neighborhood’s SPD requirements wherever possible, and supporting the variance needed to create a workable parking and motor banking arrangement. The hearing on August 20 is expected to be uneventful.
The bank expects to have a temporary office building on the site (Live Oak, between Skiles and Hall) in early September.