Dear Commissioner:

I understand that the developer has pulled his original application from the Akron Avenue property and will re-apply to build a larger building with fewer units. That is a very disappointing development. I am definitely not someone who believes every lot should have a high density use. At the same time neither am I anti-development. The city needs smart development. From the plans I saw the original proposal was exactly what Stuart needs and was situated where it should be.

Unfortunately neighborhood opposition took into account only the number of units but not the overall footprint of the building. The city needs especially downtown small apartments to attract and keep not only younger residents but also older ones looking to downsize or just wanting to be close to downtown Stuart. This is a niche that needs to be filled.

The project that will proceed of right will be much larger with smaller setbacks. While a new building is better that an empty lot what will be built will not give us the size units we need. Unfortunately it will not be what the neighbors envisioned either. In most of the CRA certain residential buildings, such as a one family residence occupied by a nuclear family, will probably not be built today. This was a missed opportunity.

In the future it may make sense to hold a preliminary meeting between the neighbors and the developer chaired by a city official who knows the codes and regulations. With a knowledgeable city official presiding who was able to explain options to both sides, positions would not be as inflexible. For I believe even in this instance something could still be worked out to the neighbors, the developer and ultimately Stuart’s advantage.