Open Letter on Higher Densities in HP Downtown

Dear Mayor, City Council, and Commissioners,

 As a lifelong resident, past Councilman and Plan Commissioner, I would like to make the following concerned comments on the proposed zoning change.

I would suggest that staff recommendations to increase unit densities from 15 units per acre up to 81 units and increase height from 40 feet to 60 is extreme over kill and reflective of zonings only seen in larger cities or other towns that have very little in common with the culture and values of Highland Park. One does not need a sledge hammer to our zoning when a minor adjustment was requested to modestly increase residential use of the CBD area.

In the current B4 district (which was the intended focus of this study) 30 to 40 units per acre with a 4^th story (which is set back) is enough of an increase to tweak future residential build out.

 In the late 90’s, after 100’s of neighborhood and property owner meetings, zoning was reduced from a maximum 60 foot height to 40 feet and 3 stories (a 4^th story allowed in PUD with setback), reflecting the character of the North Shore and Highland Park. This was the resident’s response to the Optima building and concern of the changing character in the community.

The concept of modestly increasing density within a similar historic vision and bulk of our town center is reasonable. The proposed changes from the staff are not and need to be rejected as proposed. It was also notable that a traffic and retail capacity studies of this area, whether done in the past or present were not considered. Highland Park’s lack of major arterial connections has always played a major factor in the analysis of future growth capacity. This capacity directly relates to our enjoyment.  I again suggest a modest adjustment instead of the promotion of the significant changes proposed by staff.  If one was to hold public meetings across the city on this issue the response would be very similar to mine.   Please call me if you wish to discuss.