The Letter to the Editor which follows brings to light an important development issue without an easy, or clear solution. How do we, as community, continue to grow, evolve and prosper without infringing on others?
Are you personally involved with planning and zoning? What’s important to future generations? What is important to you? Let us know.
To understand more, please look into how the process works. Salida Planning Comission or Chaffee County Planning and Zoning
To Whom It May Concern,
I invite you to come to the 400 block of West Sackett Street and see the valley’s newest mountain. Of course, it is a handmade mountain of a house. The developer building such a monstrosity also has eliminated almost all yard.
The Sackett Street project which has raised the concerns voiced by Mr. Ferrier
I went to the planning commission and requested that the developer only build one story. She, of course, wanted as much building as codes allow. This structure has rendered the small houses on each side almost unsellable. And of course, if you go out in their yard all you can see is the side of the building. I live two houses away and my view of the mountains is destroyed. The house does not look like it belongs in this neighborhood. Also, the small houses on each side will have to be torn down and replaced with two story structures. It seems we are letting one developer dictate the architecture of a neighborhood.
This developer has raped other neighborhoods in this town. If we wanted two story condominiums on every street we could move to Denver. I know nothing can be done about this building but beware if this developer targets your neighborhood.
Take a look for yourself,
George Ferrier
www.architecturalhouseplans.com/home_plans/379
Well, don’t be coy about it. Who’s the developer?
According to the county’s permit database, the building discussed in the LTE is owned by Thomas and Karen Karnuta.
Doesn’t “she” have a history of doing this before? IIRC “she” did a huge 2 story and the neighbor went to PLZ/CC meetings and complained that the sun now does not shine.
Very sad.
Everyone who loves Salida needs to speak up. The charm that was so attractive about Salida is being destroyed by a lack of vision. The quality of life for anyone living in that house will be forever dictated by it’s structure…..there won’t be children playing in the yard or garden parties with the neighbors. And as hard as the logic of that is to understand in this beautiful outdoor environment…..a more painful pill to swallow is the total disregard for neighboring properties that have been forever impacted by this singular development. And I have to wonder….is that person/developer planning on living there? Or is this being built with the intent to sell and take the money and move on to the next unsuspecting spot….maybe next to you or me?
That’s certainly an unsightly blot on Sackett, and I sympathize for the neighbors. Building codes notwithstanding, I feel it’s a shame that people who build new construction are not more sensitive to the character of existing neighborhoods and to their project’s impact on neighbors. I’ve seen this kind of development occur in many towns and cities but here it is most painful.
wow. that’s all I’ve got. wow.
We have a house in Salida that we are planning on moving to permanently, but have lived in Santa Cruz, CA for the last 40 years. I’m an Architect in Santa Cruz, and have see this many times, which over the years have led to some very detailed planning ordinances to counter solutions like this on small urban parcels. I would invite Salida’s (Chaffee County) Planning Dept to look at the type of ordinances that have finally evolved here in Santa Cruz, both the City and the County to counter this type of result. I hate to see it, but it is solutions like this that lead to more and more controls and regulations, more involved permit processes, and more expensive permit costs. It is sad to see when the idea of ” what is allowed” becomes the only criteria for a solution.
Just a follow up: From the design it looks like a duplex is being built with the double front entrances.
Before you folks form a lynch mob you might want to wait and see what it looks like when it is done-AND see if it is intended for more than one family. And might I remind you that our zoning has been tweaked and re-tweaked so as to allow for more density to try and slow urban sprawl. We can’t have it both ways. If there needs to be MORE fine tuning of the zoning rules in your opinion to deal with sun, mass, height or whatever then get involved and stop whining and name calling.
CITY of SANTA CRUZ:
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/index.aspx?page=378
COUNTY of SANTA CRUZ:
http://www.sccoplanning.com/
I would like to echo Jack’s comments. Name calling only deepens the divide between us and erroudes our own credibility. What we are looking for is balance – balance between retaining what is, and managing what is to come while ensuring the sustainability of our neighborhoods city and region. This can only be accomplished if all sides and interests can have non-threatening constructive conversations.
Assuming this structure was built within the existing codes and ordinances, we can’t entirely fault the owner, because we as a community created and manage what can or cannot be built. So instead of throwing stones at this or other projects, we should work to enact systems to prevent this in the future (if it is deemed inappropriate). A good example is the the Sackett Overlay District which was created through the combined efforts of residents and the city.
Our city government is taking a proactive role in land use and has several resources available online including this great PDF on land use. http://cityofsalida.com/_site/wp-content/uploads/Chap-3-Land-Use.pdf
Reply to Jack Chivvis: What I read above is not a lynch mob, but a response to the poor design, large uninterrupted massing of the structure and one doesn’t need to wait to see what it will look like to understand this. Density and Urban Sprawl is not the issue here, its the poor design. The responses that I see here are the beginning of the fine tuning process for the Planning regulations. There are a number of better designs through out Salida, even on West Sackett.
And thanks to Bill Dovanan for the links to the City and County of Santa Cruz planning departments. I want to warn people that their ordinances are large and complex and takes wading through a lot of information before comming to the relevant areas of those planning documents. But through FAR (Floor Area Ratios), increased setbacks for second stories, and linking allowed first story areas, to lot coverage and then to the amount of second story floor areas has gone a long way to breaking up the singular massing of the building design.
To save people’s time, I offer this generic letter of discontent:
I, (insert name), saw this happening in the over-priced enclave I left to move to Salida: (insert name of Front Range, California, Texas, Northern New Mexico or New England medium-sized city). It just disgusts me. It’s not what I came here for, and if it doesn’t stop, I (insert name) will just have to move from here to the next trendy mountain town (insert name of small rural “cool” town), and take my (insert: kids and/or pets and/or mountain bike) and my (insert portable free-lance trade here) business with me! I, (insert name here), am not kidding!
Signed, (insert name here).
There is only one mystery here. Not the fact that if you set a limit for anything, someone will exploit the limits of that limit. A given. Not the fact that someone else will be upset by it. Expected. Not the inevitability that they will gripe and lash out. Not the fact that some people will join in the griping, or some will defend the “offender”, or some (I’m guilty here) will just take a bemused ringside seat and watch the drama unfold, with no dog in the fight.
No, the only mystery here is what the hell are those other house pictures all about? Picasso meets Martha Stewart next door to the Jetsons?
Those were simply posted for entertainment and to illustrate the possibilities of residential construction. Please accept our apologies for a lack of clarification.
Please see my opinion piece titled Salida Development and the larger community as it relates to this thread.
The one thing that comes to mind for me in this would be the hours and hours spent by the authors of the Sackett Overlay, City staff and The Planning Commission in trying to define good taste. The conclusion I came to is that it is impossible, what I find reprehensible could very well be the next guys dream house. It also seems to me that one of Salida’s charms is the diverse architecture, some exceptional some awful but seen together it is what defines our town.
The Planning Commission and Staff are very open to citizen driven overlay initiatives and I for one would love to see more. However you should be aware that building consensus among neighbors about design is very difficult.
In my view it is perhaps better to endure a few poor choices than regulate our town into a bland homogeneity.
I’ve been dreaming about coming home tonight and bitching up a storm in a public format and have been somewhat deflated by some of the rational and well thought out comments that have preceded me. That said, I can’t stand that wall of a monstrosity just two houses to the east. My opinion, go figure. I have no problem with the height (mine’s about the same) and personally like the fact that it increases the population density of our downtown area. Maybe there will be two families moving in and bringing some young energy to the ‘hood…
I really dislike the fact that to me, it looks more like a wall than a home. It of course is harder to endure a few poor choices when you loom in the shadow, but I get your point PT. There is nothing bland about it. It makes a statement, it’s just not mine.
I know these are difficult issues for a community to work out. I feel like I’m coming to this late, but anyone know when the next Planning and Zoning meeting is?
According to the City’s meeting calendar, Monday, November 22
It is indeed the 22nd and we will be reviewing the final draft of the comp plan which attempts to deal with some of these vision issues. The draft can be found here http://cityofsalida.com/library/reports/ be sure to scroll down to the new draft chapters not the old plan.
Bob I agree with you it sucks when that mistake is made next door and that structure seems poorly conceived.
There is also a new 2 story home on the 500 block of West Sackett. There are two homes and a lot for sale riverside. The green house in the 400 block just sold…and you know it’s a demo. There is a lot of potential for development on this street. My question is, how many builders and developers are on the Planning Commission? Is the character of our town in the hands of those who benefit the most financially? Just wondering….
Ah shocks, I was determined never to write another letter but know and respect Tom Karnuta and hate the hatchet job being performed in the Citizen. So let me make an educated guess here. Not a single person who has written a comment on the original story even bothered to check the zoning for this part of West Sackett. Before you get the rope and rally the lynch mob you need to realize the area is zoned R-3 which is multi-family. Mrs. Karnuta was following the guidelines set by the very Planning Board that Salidans placed their faith in to govern them and the future growth of the Town of Salida. If you have any issues with the multi-family home being built take them up with the Planning Board. The first step would be to look at the present zoning and if you disagree with it attend the meetings and petition for changes to that zoning.
As for the large homes that were built in cities in other parts of the country, I know those in some larger New England towns were single family “look at my castle” homes where the original quaint New England home was demolished. These were not in R-3 zones, these were in single family residential zones. That practice was stopped across much of New England because citizens in those areas became involved and petitioned to have it stopped. If you do not like the way the zoning is in Salida or for that matter in the County then become involved and seek change.
Ed
Let’s all try to avoid violent metaphors for the remainder of this thread. No stones, hatchets or mobs of any sort.
I don’t think that anyone has suggested that the project violates existing zoning, but that’s useful information.
A very sensible approach. Thank you.
I think that the responsible argument being made by critics of the project is — if I can paraphrase — that “we as a community can do better”. I find this to be a largely positive sentiment, not a negative one.
Edit: And I mean “we can do better” in the broadest possible sense. There may be room for better guidelines to communicate to developers what residents expect from local development. Developers should be reasonably assured that neighbors won’t be suddenly apoplectic. We need more — and smarter — citizen involvement in planning and zoning decisions. We can all do better, and this is a collective responsibility. As Gregory rightly suggests, we can look to other communities for ideas. Bill speaks more about this here.
For the record…..I did get involved…..I did try…..a few years ago when this same issue came up on F Street. And F Street is still zoned R-2. I know first hand that it’s hard for everyone involved. And I am really trying to convince myself that I don’t care. I hope you don’t hear my voice on this subject again….and so does my husband for that matter!
Our little house is well over 100 years old and we still catch people taking pictures of it occasionally. I pray that we’re creating more homes with lasting character to represent Salida well in the years to come. Bye bye!
karen karnuta has built many houses in salida and you would only be able to notice them if you knew what to look for. in fact she built the house she lives in now at 668 sackett. right across the street from her house is a 2 story house that looks much like the one she is building. now karen is building a house across the street from where she used to live. wait until this house is done. it might fit right in.
I would point out, I believe historic Crested Butte (not Mt Crested Butte) implements the far end of the spectrum of the type of zoning and/or architectural oversight that I think many folks’ comments in this thread indicate a leaning toward. These very strict regulations make building or remodeling in Crested Butte quite an expensive proposition which has meant a dramatic increase in housing prices which has been accompanied by the near disappearance of affordable housing stock in town. Before you speak up at city planning and council meetings, be careful to weigh all the implications of the outcomes and be sure you really want what you ask for.
Dear Salida Citizen:
I’d like to take a moment to reply and express my disappointment with the above referenced article. I’d like to start by pointing out that I’m in no way saying I like the duplex currently being built on Sackett Ave. In fact I feel the same way Bob does; I live in the neighborhood, of course I don’t like. What could be worse; my wife is building it. Makes life exciting.
First off the initial letter submitted to the Salida Citizen was written by an individual who I have known and have had the pleasure of being a neighbor with for over 20 years. The purpose of submitting this letter had far more to do with personal issues between us than it did with a building going up down the street. Enough said. Unfortunately this letter was used to set the not so pleasant tone for the article. The tiniest amount of investigative journalism on the part of the editor would have disclosed this and although not stopped the publication of the article it could have change it to a more productive tone.
Secondly I’d like to thank the many readers who pointed out that the area the duplex is being built in is no longer zoned for the small type of single family homes that were originally built in the neighborhood years age. I personally feel this is very unfortunate, but at present it is what it is. The day of 800 square foot single family residences in this area may be gone. Again the tiniest amount of investigative journalism could have disclosed this and again made for a more productive tone to the article.
Thirdly, just a little bit of research by the editor would have revealed that the developer has been before the board of adjustments on two different occasions pleading for a variance to allow a single family residence to be allowed in an area that it was not zoned for. Unfortunately it was just not going to happen in this case. Again this information could have changed the tone.
Just think what a wonderful platform this very article could have been used for to initiate a discussion on what we, as Salida Citizens , could do to change the building codes in some of the older residential neighbor hoods like this one. Knowing the educated readers of the Citizen, this could have been an awesome and productive discussion. Instead it seems the editor chose a very unproductive format that basically led to cyber blasting a very wonderful and loving person, my wife.
I was always hoping the Salida Citizen would be the reporting medium we really don’t have here in Salida, not just another website forum like so many others.
But what really disappoints me the most about this article is that it was edited and published by a friend. I was brought up in a family with parents who taught me that friends are not a dime a dozen. And when you make a friend you are there for that person unconditionally. It’s obvious my friendship with the editor meant much more to me than it did to him.
I truly hope this article helps bring you all the success you deserve. You have however, lost more than just a reader.
Best of Luck, Tom Karnuta
How to plan and zone for consideration and kindness between neighbors; Creating a neighborhood instead of just building; it takes everyone. Hoped we were there.
What would Thomas Jefferson say?
I think Thomas Jefferson would approve of polite debate on any topic.
There are two issues here – social responsibility and planning. I spent many years on a Planning Commission, and can tell you it is very much a matter of balance.
I believe in social responsibility, rather than the idea that you can screw everybody else if the law allows it. But with human nature being what it is, you have to make sure that the codes protect you. If this area is zoned multifamily, as one of the replies says, then you must expect intense development – the fact that it hasn’t been done before is simply an omission. Multifamily is an important part of maintaining a selection of housing for all residents, and to eliminate it is condemning the town to a particular type of resident – but with proper planning, the multifamily gives a buffer to intense and noisy commercial development, and separates it from the quieter and more expensive residential neighborhoods. It’s all about planning in the first place and being sympathetic to the local architecture when making zoning and ordinance changes.
Such a development should not come as a surprise to the neighbors, if the zoning has been done properly in the first place.
I used to own a small house in the Newlands neighborhood in Boulder. That neighborhood would be a very good model to illuminate the issues raised by the Karnuta house on Sackett.
The desirability of the Newlands neighborhood–close to shopping, mountains, and trails–attracted developers. Those developers maximized “value” by maximizing square footage, resulting in example after example of enormous houses built right up to the set-backs on modest lots, fracturing the scale of the community and diminishing views. Originally small, modest, and cute with a strong sense of unity, it became gargantuan, monolithic, pretentious and off-putting. The nature of the neighborhood changed significantly as a function of the architecture. Kids played inside. Neighbors developed grudges.
Salida is facing the same difficult and contentious balancing act between private freedom and public good. Having seen the nature and scale of Newlands go from charming to bloated (and attracting the type of homeowner who values bloated over charming), the stakes are very clear. If we, as a community, believe that architecture can foster or, alternately, destroy community, a very strong architectural ideal must be defined and administered. As a previous contributor noted, there are numerous examples that can educate us on the most efficient, least onerous strategy.
I should note that I am not an enemy of personal freedom; I believe in it very strongly. However, the freedom to swing my fist stops at your nose. I believe Americans/Salidans should be able to exercise any freedom we choose–right up to the point that it adversely impacts fellow freedom-chasers; once we determine there are fists and noses involved, it’s the American way to negotiate and canonize a reasonable settlement.
So I urge Salida and its citizens to implement the laws and zoning necessary to maintain Salida’s architectural scale and sensibility. As a Salida homeowner, I realize that I will be directly impacted. So be it. I value Salida’s human scale and strong sense of community more than I value a few extra dollars in my pocket. After all, community cannot be bought; it can only be sold.
I think that Salidans should think long and hard before implementing stringent codes on things like massing and design. I agree with the general concensus on keeping with the general character of the town, but restrcitions can be a slippery slope. Having briefly worked in the Vail valley, I saw firsthand what architectural covenants can do. In an area where homes costs millions of dollars, there was a true sense of homogeneity to the neighborhoods where guidelines called for a certain percentage of stucco, stone or hand hewn logs. Even piles of money could not overcome the sense of a sea of ‘tract mansions.’
I often see homes that have been built in Salida and think that they stand out like sore thumbs. Some were built during the 70′s, some were built in the last 10 years. But as a designer, builder and (sometimes) developer, I don’t like the idea of having my sense of creativity dictated by what has existed in an area for the last 100 years. Time goes on and things change. Inevitably, things like the community’s sense of what is ‘good’ will undoubtedly change, as well.
How does Salida decide what is deemed as appropriate and how can that process remain fluid and changing in the future? Right now, it seems that the only thing dictating the success of a ‘development’ is whether or not the market accepts it in the form of a sale. Free market is a good thing, isn’t it?
Incidentally, I do not read the initial letter or replies as stating facts about what is or isn’t allowed by zoning. They are simply opinions on the project, as this is a Letter To The Editor. It is my hope that the main parties involved can see this for what it is: a public forum for discussion. It is not, in my opinion, intended to be a public lynching.
These are difficult questions without easy answers. Open, fair discussion is always a positive step.
Its a shame Mr. Karnuta is calling an end to his friendship with the editor . If the Salida Citizen wants to publish a letter about a certain subject and will print views from both sides of the story , then more power to them . We moved here for a few good reasons and a big reason was that people here are honestly friendly . I have more neighbors I count as friends here than I did in 20 years of living in the same neighborhood at my previous hometown . Building contractors are in business to make money and they employ many during the construction of their projects . We need construction projects but don’t sacrifice the sense of community for the all mighty dollar . There is no right or wrong in this case because the planning and building codes allow for this type of project and the builder is trying to make a living . Albeit at the expense of his neighbors wishes .
Change is inevitable. The rules of change are important. Entrepreneurs make the best use of resources. Government constraint of resource use leads to unforeseen consequences. It seems simple rules would be best. To get the most value for your money in a society it is important that the entrepreneurs have few constraints. The entrepreneur is most efficient when the rule of law changes little. Rules define strategies, and government authority is more powerful than economic authority. So as rules are increased ask yourself if it is worth increasing government authority to have your house built by the best rule follower or the best builder?
I sympathize with those whose view is blocked by new buildings.
We are all entrepreneurs and find value by serving others.
I salute Bill D. in this most excellent use of resources.
In a personal note, Mr. Ferrier apologized for any problems he caused between Tom Karnuta and myself. Additionally, Mr. Ferrier asked me to post this comment for him (see below). The personal issues with Tom were resolved shortly after his posting as he and I quickly laughed off the drama. Since Tom is preparing for his black belt test, I was pleased we were able to quickly resolve any personal issues. -bd
- – - – - – - – -
Mr. Ferrier’s letter:
Just a few points that were not in my original letter. I did go to the city and found out that this neighborhood is zoned R.-3. The clerk also told me that the zoning was implemented in the 1940s. This was to accommodate what we call mother-in-law houses. A small structure at the back of your property to house aging parents. I don’t think they had condos in the ’40s. I was also informed that I could cut down my fruit trees, and bulldoze my garden to install 2 two story condos as well as keep my house. That would supplement my retirement income nicely, however I respect my neighbors enough and my fruit trees not to do it.
I would also like to state that I did go to the planning commission. I was informed that buildings could reach 35 feet in height. The plan the developer presented was for a single-family dwelling. It was, however, two story. I requested that she only build one story. I think this is a matter of, as my neighbors said, building something as ugly as the law allows. Another neighbor describes the house as an army barracks.
In closing, I would like to apologize to Tom Karnuta. I have nothing against him personally. I also do not control the decisions made by my wife.
George Ferrier
It’s soooo sweet to see everyone sitting around the campfire singing ‘Kumbaya’ together.
And it’s SOOOO Salida to endure another blemish on what could have been a pretty little town.
As a West Sackett Street resident and the owner of one of the homes built by the developer being discussed, I have a somewhat different perspective on the neighborhood.
When we bought our Salida home 5 years ago, I envisioned our neighborhood being kept up and I had hoped to see improvements or replacements to some of the many homes that are so badly maintained. It is frustrating and embarrassing to see so much junk and neglect in so many of the homes and yards that one sees walking along Sackett Street.
We had a wonderful view of the Sawatch Range from the bay windows overlooking our back yard and every evening we enjoyed looking out at our beautiful Salida sunsets. Then my thoughtless neighbor placed a very old and decaying outbuilding next to the fence just 12 feet from our bay window and totally blocked our view of the mountains and sunsets. Next, he hauled in a huge 35 year old camper and wedged it in next to the fence along our common property line and butted up against his old outbuilding. This act created a visual wall of trash extending high above the fence blocking out the skyline all along the entire length of my backyard. I quickly became a student of our city zoning and ordinances and I am totally dismayed that there is no protection in them for this sort of thing.
My point is that I would much rather have a nicely maintained 2 story home covering my view of the mountains than to have a trashy trailer and the rotting outbuilding filling my windows and blocking my skyline as I do now. I believe that our junkyard view created by this neighbor has devalued our home in excess of $100,000.
To add injury to insult, now that the neighbor’s backyard is so full of camper trailers, outbuildings and other trash, his junk vehicle collection no longer fits in his back yard. So, he has resorted to parking these vehicles along Sackett Street and trashing our public property. He has outfoxed the intent of our city code enforcement by rotating and moving these vehicles to other locations on the street about once per week–so he avoids getting ticketed or towed by periodically moving them.
I would not recommend Sackett Street to any potential home buyer or to anyone looking for a place with considerate neighbors.
One thing to consider during this discussion about the mountain of a house is the fact that the properties along the river are sitting on prime property . The natural evolution is going to be replacing the old houses with new ones and the replacements are going to be much bigger . It’s just a fact of life . In a town I once lived in the same thing happened and continues to happen . The people that can afford the waterfront areas build what pleases them and it’s a shame that it changes the character of the neighborhood but I don’t think you can stop it . The old houses become knockdowns and make way for the new ones .
Awhile back , I read a story about some new homes to be built at the base of Tenderfoot Mountain . This afternoon I rode by the base and noticed what looked like a newer gravel road with some new transformers near it . Is this the area where the new homes will be built ?
I would like to invite readers to investigate the neighborhood overlay created by by neighbors in the E. Second and Third Street area of town. It took much thought and work by a few concerned neighbors to bring about that overlay which I believe and sincerely hope will keep visually inappropriate new or remodels out of our charming neighborhood. We are a tight knit group in our neighborhood and there was still disagreement about the final version of the overlay. It passed and we all still manage host our annual Drink Around the Block night and talk to each other over our fences. It’s alot more civil to discuss, disagree and plan for what we want our neighborhoods to look like before someone decides to build their 5000 square foot dream house nestled among the rest of the charming 1000 square foot victorians. Get organized now or prepare yourself for the McMansion next door. Ugly is forever.
Over the last 25 years, my family and I have watched this exact process happen to beautiful, cute Bethany Beach, DE where my parents have owned a house for 32 years. Bethany and Salida share many small-town characteristics that we love: eclectic housing, open and warm neighbors, a tourist season that ebbs and flows, and hard-working locals. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the true locals pushed out of Bethany as multi-million-dollar mega-mansions have destroyed the charming beach cottages that once lined the shore. Friends of mine who are Bethany locals have had to move to the suburbs away from their town, away from the beach that they love, simply because they can’t compete with the money. How do we protect our locals here in Salida from this fate? How do we offer housing that’s affordable to all different professionals, so that a teacher like myself can stay and own in town? I think that PT is right – we’re never all going to agree on what’s aesthetically the “right” house, but can’t we all agree that we need to protect our locals, our Salida Citizens?
JT it is the area that the houses will be built and thanks to this developer (me) the City now owns the front of Tenderfoot mountain and you can ride the Frontside trail on what used to be private property.
Cheers,
P.T.
Per Teresa’s question, we inquired with Dara, Salida’s City Planner
We do not have a website on the Sackett Overlay project. The attached staff report contains the project timeline and an overview of the process that we went through to get the overlay adopted.
Marilyn Moore and Kathryn Hardgrave initiated the process within the neighborhood and stuck with it with great determination for the two years it took for adoption. The resulting document can be found here: http://cityofsalida.com/_site/wp-content/uploads/SackettsAdditionRequirementsRecommendations.pdf. This document includes background on the neighborhood, design requirements now included in the land use code and additional recommendations for compatible design in this particular neighborhood.
Of particular note, this overlay has yet to be applied to an actual application. We have not had any triggering permit applications since this was adopted in August 2009.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions that are not answered by the staff report of Sackett’s Addition document.
As a business person for many years, my guideline has been to think long-term, try to avoid irritating potential prospects and colleagues and generally be a good neighbor.
I have never had any dealings with Ms. Karnuta and we certainly do not agree on architectural styles or tastes. That’s OK. I would only suggest that following a good neighbor policy IS good business which will pay off in the long run. So until the City and citizens find ways to control what you can and cannot do, why not focus instead on the process – get involved with your neighbors before you plan your next project and keep them informed as the design process evolves.
Yes, you have to make a living, but if you consider each project as if it were one that your family or closest friends chose to live in, rather than just a chance to build and move on, better design decisions would result, along with an increase in happy clients and more business for you.
Thanks P.T. for your reply and donating the land to the city .
I have to agree that the codes our county/city/commisioners/planners have created are to blame for unsightly monster homes and businesses that go up. There will always be developers/contractors who only care about the bottom line, even if the home is in their own neighborhood. That’s what disappoints me the most: a long time local whom lives and loves(?) this town and to build such a thing, without regard to her neighbors, that generations will have to look at well beyond all her money’s spent and her time here has passed. We can only hope for future trends of people buying McMansions and tearing them down to build quaint little homes with lovely yards. Or at least developers with a little more local awareness.