NorthernLiberties.org - A Community Bulletin Board - Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

Erika

IP: 72.92.1.180

Aug 22, 08 - 8:12 PM

Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

The CREI people are coming back to another zoning meeting for the huge development they want to do at the corner of 5th and Fairmount...see you there.

------------------

Neighbors,

Please join us for the August NLNA Zoning Committee Meetings.

The committee consists of 15 volunteers, and the meetings are open to the public.

NLNA Zoning Committee Meetings
Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26
7:00PM, NLNA Office
700 N. 3rd St.

The agendas for the meetings are below.

Best,
Matt Ruben
Board President
matt@nlna.org
www.nlna.org

---

Zoning Committee Meeting
700 N. 3rd St. NLNA Office

AGENDA Monday 8/25/08

7:00 – 7:10 – updates-minutes

7:10 – 7:50 – Ed Fink – 1130-32 N. Bodine St. – R10 – Presentation for two single family dwellings with pilot house and under-sized rear yards

7:50 – 8:50 – Brian Phillips – 632-34 N. 5th St. (5th & Fairmount Ave. SW corner) – L4 - Proposal for a 5 story building with 130 units and 130 parking spaces.

8:50 – 9:30 – Joe Volpe – 932 N. Hancock St. – R10 – Proposal to use site for creating flower arrangements to be used at Cescaphe.

9:30 –9:50 – Frank Passio – Front & Fairmount – (SW corner) – Return visit to respond to Committee’s CLA provisions regarding proposal for restaurant/bar .www.2ndstreetannies.com

Old Business

New Business

QuakerDan

IP: 71.242.13.4

Aug 22nd, 2008 - 8:51 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

5 stories? ****. there goes our view of the skyline from the deck.

casine yes

IP: 76.99.26.169

Aug 23rd, 2008 - 7:48 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

shouldn't they finish a project before they start another?

Sooz

IP: 76.99.23.226

Aug 23rd, 2008 - 11:47 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

These guys have behaved so badly (just search CREI on this site to read more on this) that I think they should be treated as disreputable, unreliable and not to be trusted. One might argue that that the NLNA has a responsibility to protect residents from the bad business practices that CREI has perpetrated on some of our neighbors. (some might say to all of us given their changes in design/color of that long-unfinished building on N American & Brown, leaving us living in the shadow of some monstrous Deathstar.)

Don't think they've given enough respect to the neighborhood to get our endorsement on any more projects.

I unfortunately won't be in town for the meeting, but someone should hold them accountable.

Sarah H.

IP: 68.38.113.40

Aug 23rd, 2008 - 10:48 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

This is a disgrace. How can CREI show their faces in this city after what they did to those people who purchased at the American Loft?? They are terrible, corrupt, unethical, and dishonest business people. Residents of Northern Liberties need to stand up against them as they cannot nor should not be supported in this area or anywhere else in this city.

S. Brown

IP: 72.92.4.77

Aug 24th, 2008 - 10:46 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Living in the vicinity of their project on American Street has been hell. The sidewalk has been closed for years and the lot across the street is an eye sore. Expect more of the same at 5th & Fairmount.

Cheesesteak the Impaler

IP: 72.92.114.11

Aug 24th, 2008 - 10:51 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

I'm a bit unclear on what happened to the people who bought into American Lofts. I remember hearing the building went rental instead. What happened to the people who bought/invested?

FYI

IP: 64.12.116.8

Aug 24th, 2008 - 11:21 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

http://pub50.bravenet.com/forum/4226496069/show/642139

tastymoog

IP: 76.99.20.106

Aug 25th, 2008 - 6:52 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

"the lot across the street is an eye sore."

Even more so now that they're putting in that terrible sherbert-colored "gated community."

The bottleworks building behind it is awesome, I hope whoever develops it keeps it mostly intact to combat the NOVA/Jerseyesque feel of le22.

sayde

IP: 71.242.126.250

Aug 25th, 2008 - 8:23 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Cheese -- CREI refunded the deposits to those folks as they had been held in escrow. That being said, while I am all about development, CREI are not good neighbors. The project that failed at Orianna is an eyesore in the neighborhood. Though they refunded my deposit from that location, they were not forthcoming with credible information throughout the process.

meghan

IP: 69.249.119.9

Aug 25th, 2008 - 9:16 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

the building there now is seriously fug... i'm staring at it out my window right now. but i'd rather ignore that than deal with the construction nightmare. uggh.

Appalled

IP: 66.239.184.226

Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:07 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Refunding someone's deposit does not in any way negate the fact that they used these people's money to finance the construction of the American Loft building, strung them along for three years, and 60 days before the project was finished, advised them that those that had held on throughout this timeframe had now lost their homes as CREI had decided it would be more profitable for them to rent the units as opposed to selling them. CREI should in no way be commended for refunding their deposit money, as that is REQUIRED BY LAW. Do we praise criminals who shoot people and injure them critically, saying "Well, at least they didn't kill them"??

Brian

IP: 198.137.214.33

Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:32 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

I essentially agree with Appalled and I seriously doubt that CREI is going to get nothing but kibosh from the zoning committee; however, I think it's inaccurate to say that CREI used the escrow accounts for cheap funding. You can't use escrow monies for funding a project. These funds are frozen until contractual obligation is met. At best, CREI could use these as collateral for project financing from a bank.

The counterparties were all returned their deposits plus some piddling interest. The real issue is how much they disrupted the lives of the depositors as well as neighbors. CREI is far from a shining example of how development projects should proceed.

Steve O (fake Andy Reid)

IP: 204.155.226.2

Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:03 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Give em hell! I hate CREI.

Appalled

IP: 66.239.184.226

Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:14 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Brian, builders are required to have a certain amount in escrow from buyers before they can obtain construction financing. I didn't allude to the "cheap"ness of the financing. Rather, I was inferring that, withouht these buyers, CREI would not have been able to secure financing to begin with. Either way, it is fraud. Period.

Mary Dankanis

IP: 205.188.116.8

Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:50 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Just don't forget to come to the Zoning meeting tonight and voice your concerns.

Zoning Committee Meeting
700 N. 3rd St. NLNA Office

AGENDA Monday 8/25/08

7:10 – 7:50 – Ed Fink – 1130-32 N. Bodine St. – R10 – Presentation for two single family dwellings with pilot house and under-sized rear yards

7:50 – 8:50 – Brian Phillips – 632-34 N. 5th St. (5th & Fairmount Ave. SW corner) – L4 - Proposal for a 5 story building with 130 units and 130 parking spaces.

8:50 – 9:30 – Joe Volpe – 932 N. Hancock St. – R10 – Proposal to use site for creating flower arrangements to be used at Cescaphe.

tastymoog

IP: 76.99.20.106

Aug 25th, 2008 - 1:00 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

what is a "pilot house" in residential terms? is that a fancy name an in-law/guest house? is it a greenhouse, a garage? observation room on top of house, maybe? web search came up with a glass room on top of a ship... ?

Cheesesteak the Impaler

IP: 72.92.114.11

Aug 25th, 2008 - 1:55 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

I was just asking whether the depositors did indeed get their deposits back. I can't say much about criminality, and I imagine the contracts behind the deposits pretty much keep CREI out of any civil liability; but it's certainly a real estate deal gone bad and I'd be very concerned if CREI is granted similar free reign on its next project. Of course, if CREI actually owns the land, there is only so much the NLNA and Zoning Board can do.

Appalled

IP: 66.239.184.226

Aug 25th, 2008 - 2:08 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

FYI...there was nothing in the contracts that allowed CREI to negate them.

Cheesesteak the Impaler

IP: 72.92.114.11

Aug 25th, 2008 - 2:25 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

So we can assume, appalled, you're leading the lawsuit against CREI for a breach of this contract? No builder in their right mind would lack stipulations in case things don't go as plan. No lawyer on either side of the signing desk would advise a client to go into something without such stipulations. It's on of the reasons contracts exist.

Apparently, you took a big financial hit, with funds wasted in escrow and your dream pad taken away from you. You're doing a good job playing to an irrelevent jury (no binding power here on NL.org), appealing to "lives disrupted" and what have you. In the end though, real estate, especially developing real estate is a market game, and people don't always win. Personally, I stay far, far away from projects under construction unless the developers have been well vetted by trusted friends and advisors because such deals are ultimately a gamble on trust.

Appalled

IP: 66.239.184.226

Aug 25th, 2008 - 3:42 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Cheese...I don't partake in arguing on message boards, and I am not trying to "win" any jury on this issue. What I am doing is advising the people reading this of the facts so that informed decisions can be made regarding any future reoccurrences in the NL area, or anywhere else in this city. Regardless of your insightful statement, the contracts signed DID NOT ALLOW for CREI to negate them, most especially for reasons such as taking possession of the building and renting for a more profitable gain. Please don't make assertions of which you are not informed. CREI does not play by the rules, so don't assume they do. I am third party to this transaction, so no personal interest here other than sincere concern for people getting involved with "professionals" who are anything but. Take this info to the meeting tonight, or don't. If I could make it, I certainly would.

Chris

IP: 69.249.117.145

Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:13 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Hi, due to my work schedule I was unable to attend the meeting, but would love to hear any details.

Thanks

Chris

IP: 68.32.54.196

Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:24 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Any updates? Just curious to know whether CREI had any reasonable plans for that site and what the rest of the neighborhood feelings were.
I noticed the 6th St side of the parking lot fence has been covered up with a blue tarp, curious as to why.

CC

IP: 148.177.1.211

Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:35 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

I don't have any updates, but man that would be awesome if something got developed in that location. As of now that empty block on 5th b/t Spring Garden and Fairmount has to be the biggest nuisance neighor in NL. On any given night after dark you can see: hookers practicing their trade, homeless ******* on cars and bunking down for the night, multiple needles from the many crackheads that call that area home. Plus, it provides a nice "no man's land" so scumbags can break into cars along that stretch and not have to worry about being seen. Any construction on that site would be a such a huge benefit to our neighborhood.

Pat

IP: 71.242.170.151

Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:57 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

It may be that the blue tarp is for the Live Ars/Fringe "Festival Bar."

I attended the most CREI zoning committee presentation; I was not present for the first proposal. My understanding is that the neighborhood and committee response to the first presentation (a 20+ story tower) was overwhelmingly negative. The recently proposed structure goes up 5 stories (55 feet), but it is a "Death Star" of a complex. So, while they got rid of the skyscraper, to me, the second proposal is a step down. Pun(s) intended.

Erika

IP: 72.94.80.49

Aug 27th, 2008 - 5:24 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

Well, first the good news. They went from 190 units to 130 units (although they didn't say the number of bedrooms, so I am not sure if the number of people are that much different)
At the first meeting the neighbors were opposed to a 20 story building, but somehow the height got set at 60 feet (not all that was discussed) The point was not to overwhelm the Fairmount houses and less units.
What they came back with was buildings (2) 55 ft (about 10ft taller than liberty lofts)right up to the property line on Fairmount, parking on street level with a "green screen" and all open space on the second level, not accessible to the public and on the South side.
Huge and oppressive. Clearly it went from one extreme to another and hopefully there a solution somewhere in the middle....Although it is CREI so I have no confidence any of this is going to go well. Maybe they will go bankrupt before they start.

Sam

IP: 76.99.16.147

Aug 28th, 2008 - 12:15 AM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

When debating height, etc. you should look at what they can do as-of-right.....uh...a 5-story building.

neighbor

IP: 68.37.17.251

Aug 28th, 2008 - 1:58 PM

Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI)

A pilot house is the small structure built to access roof decks. Look around this neighbor and you will see many pilot houses (of all different shapes and sizes) on the roofs of many houses.

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Author	Comment
Erika IP: 72.92.1.180 Aug 22, 08 - 8:12 PM	Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) The CREI people are coming back to another zoning meeting for the huge development they want to do at the corner of 5th and Fairmount...see you there. ------------------ Neighbors, Please join us for the August NLNA Zoning Committee Meetings. The committee consists of 15 volunteers, and the meetings are open to the public. NLNA Zoning Committee Meetings Monday and Tuesday, August 25 and 26 7:00PM, NLNA Office 700 N. 3rd St. The agendas for the meetings are below. Best, Matt Ruben Board President matt@nlna.org www.nlna.org --- Zoning Committee Meeting 700 N. 3rd St. NLNA Office AGENDA Monday 8/25/08 7:00 – 7:10 – updates-minutes 7:10 – 7:50 – Ed Fink – 1130-32 N. Bodine St. – R10 – Presentation for two single family dwellings with pilot house and under-sized rear yards 7:50 – 8:50 – Brian Phillips – 632-34 N. 5th St. (5th & Fairmount Ave. SW corner) – L4 - Proposal for a 5 story building with 130 units and 130 parking spaces. 8:50 – 9:30 – Joe Volpe – 932 N. Hancock St. – R10 – Proposal to use site for creating flower arrangements to be used at Cescaphe. 9:30 –9:50 – Frank Passio – Front & Fairmount – (SW corner) – Return visit to respond to Committee’s CLA provisions regarding proposal for restaurant/bar .www.2ndstreetannies.com Old Business New Business
QuakerDan IP: 71.242.13.4 Aug 22nd, 2008 - 8:51 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) 5 stories? ****. there goes our view of the skyline from the deck.
casine yes IP: 76.99.26.169 Aug 23rd, 2008 - 7:48 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) shouldn't they finish a project before they start another?
Sooz IP: 76.99.23.226 Aug 23rd, 2008 - 11:47 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) These guys have behaved so badly (just search CREI on this site to read more on this) that I think they should be treated as disreputable, unreliable and not to be trusted. One might argue that that the NLNA has a responsibility to protect residents from the bad business practices that CREI has perpetrated on some of our neighbors. (some might say to all of us given their changes in design/color of that long-unfinished building on N American & Brown, leaving us living in the shadow of some monstrous Deathstar.) Don't think they've given enough respect to the neighborhood to get our endorsement on any more projects. I unfortunately won't be in town for the meeting, but someone should hold them accountable. Email: sshulman2003@yahoo.com
Sarah H. IP: 68.38.113.40 Aug 23rd, 2008 - 10:48 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) This is a disgrace. How can CREI show their faces in this city after what they did to those people who purchased at the American Loft?? They are terrible, corrupt, unethical, and dishonest business people. Residents of Northern Liberties need to stand up against them as they cannot nor should not be supported in this area or anywhere else in this city.
S. Brown IP: 72.92.4.77 Aug 24th, 2008 - 10:46 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Living in the vicinity of their project on American Street has been hell. The sidewalk has been closed for years and the lot across the street is an eye sore. Expect more of the same at 5th & Fairmount.
Cheesesteak the Impaler IP: 72.92.114.11 Aug 24th, 2008 - 10:51 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) I'm a bit unclear on what happened to the people who bought into American Lofts. I remember hearing the building went rental instead. What happened to the people who bought/invested? Email: cheesesteak.the.impaler@gmail.com Website: http://bostodelphia.blogspot.com
FYI IP: 64.12.116.8 Aug 24th, 2008 - 11:21 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) http://pub50.bravenet.com/forum/4226496069/show/642139
tastymoog IP: 76.99.20.106 Aug 25th, 2008 - 6:52 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) "the lot across the street is an eye sore." Even more so now that they're putting in that terrible sherbert-colored "gated community." The bottleworks building behind it is awesome, I hope whoever develops it keeps it mostly intact to combat the NOVA/Jerseyesque feel of le22.
sayde IP: 71.242.126.250 Aug 25th, 2008 - 8:23 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Cheese -- CREI refunded the deposits to those folks as they had been held in escrow. That being said, while I am all about development, CREI are not good neighbors. The project that failed at Orianna is an eyesore in the neighborhood. Though they refunded my deposit from that location, they were not forthcoming with credible information throughout the process. Email: sladov@e-alb.com
meghan IP: 69.249.119.9 Aug 25th, 2008 - 9:16 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) the building there now is seriously fug... i'm staring at it out my window right now. but i'd rather ignore that than deal with the construction nightmare. uggh.
Appalled IP: 66.239.184.226 Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:07 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Refunding someone's deposit does not in any way negate the fact that they used these people's money to finance the construction of the American Loft building, strung them along for three years, and 60 days before the project was finished, advised them that those that had held on throughout this timeframe had now lost their homes as CREI had decided it would be more profitable for them to rent the units as opposed to selling them. CREI should in no way be commended for refunding their deposit money, as that is REQUIRED BY LAW. Do we praise criminals who shoot people and injure them critically, saying "Well, at least they didn't kill them"??
Brian IP: 198.137.214.33 Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:32 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) I essentially agree with Appalled and I seriously doubt that CREI is going to get nothing but kibosh from the zoning committee; however, I think it's inaccurate to say that CREI used the escrow accounts for cheap funding. You can't use escrow monies for funding a project. These funds are frozen until contractual obligation is met. At best, CREI could use these as collateral for project financing from a bank. The counterparties were all returned their deposits plus some piddling interest. The real issue is how much they disrupted the lives of the depositors as well as neighbors. CREI is far from a shining example of how development projects should proceed.
Steve O (fake Andy Reid) IP: 204.155.226.2 Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:03 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Give em hell! I hate CREI.
Appalled IP: 66.239.184.226 Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:14 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Brian, builders are required to have a certain amount in escrow from buyers before they can obtain construction financing. I didn't allude to the "cheap"ness of the financing. Rather, I was inferring that, withouht these buyers, CREI would not have been able to secure financing to begin with. Either way, it is fraud. Period.
Mary Dankanis IP: 205.188.116.8 Aug 25th, 2008 - 12:50 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Just don't forget to come to the Zoning meeting tonight and voice your concerns. Zoning Committee Meeting 700 N. 3rd St. NLNA Office AGENDA Monday 8/25/08 7:10 – 7:50 – Ed Fink – 1130-32 N. Bodine St. – R10 – Presentation for two single family dwellings with pilot house and under-sized rear yards 7:50 – 8:50 – Brian Phillips – 632-34 N. 5th St. (5th & Fairmount Ave. SW corner) – L4 - Proposal for a 5 story building with 130 units and 130 parking spaces. 8:50 – 9:30 – Joe Volpe – 932 N. Hancock St. – R10 – Proposal to use site for creating flower arrangements to be used at Cescaphe. Email: mdankanis@aol.com
tastymoog IP: 76.99.20.106 Aug 25th, 2008 - 1:00 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) what is a "pilot house" in residential terms? is that a fancy name an in-law/guest house? is it a greenhouse, a garage? observation room on top of house, maybe? web search came up with a glass room on top of a ship... ?
Cheesesteak the Impaler IP: 72.92.114.11 Aug 25th, 2008 - 1:55 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) I was just asking whether the depositors did indeed get their deposits back. I can't say much about criminality, and I imagine the contracts behind the deposits pretty much keep CREI out of any civil liability; but it's certainly a real estate deal gone bad and I'd be very concerned if CREI is granted similar free reign on its next project. Of course, if CREI actually owns the land, there is only so much the NLNA and Zoning Board can do. Email: cheesesteak.the.impaler@gmail.com Website: http://bostodelphia.blogspot.com
Appalled IP: 66.239.184.226 Aug 25th, 2008 - 2:08 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) FYI...there was nothing in the contracts that allowed CREI to negate them.
Cheesesteak the Impaler IP: 72.92.114.11 Aug 25th, 2008 - 2:25 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) So we can assume, appalled, you're leading the lawsuit against CREI for a breach of this contract? No builder in their right mind would lack stipulations in case things don't go as plan. No lawyer on either side of the signing desk would advise a client to go into something without such stipulations. It's on of the reasons contracts exist. Apparently, you took a big financial hit, with funds wasted in escrow and your dream pad taken away from you. You're doing a good job playing to an irrelevent jury (no binding power here on NL.org), appealing to "lives disrupted" and what have you. In the end though, real estate, especially developing real estate is a market game, and people don't always win. Personally, I stay far, far away from projects under construction unless the developers have been well vetted by trusted friends and advisors because such deals are ultimately a gamble on trust. Email: cheesesteak.the.impaler@gmail.com Website: http://bostodelphia.blogspot.com
Appalled IP: 66.239.184.226 Aug 25th, 2008 - 3:42 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Cheese...I don't partake in arguing on message boards, and I am not trying to "win" any jury on this issue. What I am doing is advising the people reading this of the facts so that informed decisions can be made regarding any future reoccurrences in the NL area, or anywhere else in this city. Regardless of your insightful statement, the contracts signed DID NOT ALLOW for CREI to negate them, most especially for reasons such as taking possession of the building and renting for a more profitable gain. Please don't make assertions of which you are not informed. CREI does not play by the rules, so don't assume they do. I am third party to this transaction, so no personal interest here other than sincere concern for people getting involved with "professionals" who are anything but. Take this info to the meeting tonight, or don't. If I could make it, I certainly would.
Chris IP: 69.249.117.145 Aug 25th, 2008 - 11:13 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Hi, due to my work schedule I was unable to attend the meeting, but would love to hear any details. Thanks Email: cjmauro@comcast.net
Chris IP: 68.32.54.196 Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:24 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Any updates? Just curious to know whether CREI had any reasonable plans for that site and what the rest of the neighborhood feelings were. I noticed the 6th St side of the parking lot fence has been covered up with a blue tarp, curious as to why.
CC IP: 148.177.1.211 Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:35 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) I don't have any updates, but man that would be awesome if something got developed in that location. As of now that empty block on 5th b/t Spring Garden and Fairmount has to be the biggest nuisance neighor in NL. On any given night after dark you can see: hookers practicing their trade, homeless ******* on cars and bunking down for the night, multiple needles from the many crackheads that call that area home. Plus, it provides a nice "no man's land" so scumbags can break into cars along that stretch and not have to worry about being seen. Any construction on that site would be a such a huge benefit to our neighborhood.
Pat IP: 71.242.170.151 Aug 27th, 2008 - 3:57 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) It may be that the blue tarp is for the Live Ars/Fringe "Festival Bar." I attended the most CREI zoning committee presentation; I was not present for the first proposal. My understanding is that the neighborhood and committee response to the first presentation (a 20+ story tower) was overwhelmingly negative. The recently proposed structure goes up 5 stories (55 feet), but it is a "Death Star" of a complex. So, while they got rid of the skyscraper, to me, the second proposal is a step down. Pun(s) intended.
Erika IP: 72.94.80.49 Aug 27th, 2008 - 5:24 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) Well, first the good news. They went from 190 units to 130 units (although they didn't say the number of bedrooms, so I am not sure if the number of people are that much different) At the first meeting the neighbors were opposed to a 20 story building, but somehow the height got set at 60 feet (not all that was discussed) The point was not to overwhelm the Fairmount houses and less units. What they came back with was buildings (2) 55 ft (about 10ft taller than liberty lofts)right up to the property line on Fairmount, parking on street level with a "green screen" and all open space on the second level, not accessible to the public and on the South side. Huge and oppressive. Clearly it went from one extreme to another and hopefully there a solution somewhere in the middle....Although it is CREI so I have no confidence any of this is going to go well. Maybe they will go bankrupt before they start.
Sam IP: 76.99.16.147 Aug 28th, 2008 - 12:15 AM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) When debating height, etc. you should look at what they can do as-of-right.....uh...a 5-story building.
neighbor IP: 68.37.17.251 Aug 28th, 2008 - 1:58 PM	Re: Fifth & Fairmount development (CREI) A pilot house is the small structure built to access roof decks. Look around this neighbor and you will see many pilot houses (of all different shapes and sizes) on the roofs of many houses.