Developers Largely Silent

In a recent issue of this newspaper we called on local developers to take a position on the Chelten and Pulaski development project as proposed.  Making the case that it was a “deal done in the dark” with absolutely no community input or prior announcement, and that most of the larger developers all own property either immediately adjacent to, or very close to this location.

In fact it is directly adjacent to a major rehab of a multi-story apartment complex, and across the street from properties owned by 3 different local developers.  The point being that this key location, properly utilized with improved public transit dialed in to the project, could easily result in a very active business center that would benefit all rather quickly, and attract new residents in large numbers. 

 

Our mayor and officials from city planning constantly refer to Transit Oriented Developments as the 21st Century concept they will implement anywhere they can. Here we have an already existing rail station at an intersection where three separate bus routes pass by and another 3 come within a block of this location. All six can easily loop through the complex with an off street loading station and make this a mini-version of 69th Street overnight. Doesn’t anyone see the commercial advantage of something this easy to do? 

 

Well, only one of those developers, Ken Weinstein replied to our plea for a unified and vocal effort on their part to join with the residents in protest of the short-sighted back door way this is being done. He admitted to poor developer/resident communication, but said he was just too busy to get involved. 

 

Connie Winters of Historic Germantown Properties and Yvonne Haskins of Haskins Development stand apart from the “Big Boys” and have been in opposition to this project from the outset. Utilizing her nearby building as an anchor location Ms. Winters has joined the protesters in the street and at the meetings since this project became an issue.  Attorney Haskins has filed an appeal with the Zoning Board of Adjustment to permits granted to the developer, Pulaski R.E. Development LLC.

 

Word on the street is that the political machine (Democratic City Committee) from the top down has spread the word to that developer class that keeps them fed with campaign contributions: “Leave Burns Alone.”

Jim Foster

Editor/Publisher