Development in the Buckman Neighborhood
This website is a vehicle for neighbors and others in favor of appropriate development in the Buckman neighborhood.

Background

In early July 2006, rumors circulated of a 54-unit mixed-use condo development which would occupy the 4 lots between Alder & Morrison at 20th , across from Lone Fir Cemetery.

The developers finally contacted the Buckman Community Association (BCA) and arranged a presentation at the July 14th general meeting.

The architects presented a planned unit development via a Type III Land Use Application, which would allow them to spread the density of what they intended to build across the 2 different types of zoning, CS & R1. They originally proposed 48 units with 55 underground parking spaces, commercial space on the ground floor on the Morrison side and a total height of 45 feet. The response was overwhelmingly negative. The developers, agreed to come back the following month and present a design which incorporated the neighborhood's suggestions.

Nothing was heard from the developers, and the BCA found out from word-of-mouth that the developers had dropped the Type III Application and intended to build essentially the same project, but within the current zoning regulations.

The developers finally contacted the BCA and agreed to meet in a small group at the architect's office. Christine Yun and Dan McDunn, both nearby owners, represented the BCA. They were allowed to review the drawings, and re-emphasize key issues which the neighborhood would like to see addressed, such as not destroying the 2 historic houses, preserving the old-growth conifers, using a design which made it more likely that residents would interact with the neighbors, being more contextual with the neighborhood, addressing sustainability issues, and the preference for local area businesses to occupy the commercial space. Dan also brought up his concerns about saleability, given the current market saturation of condos, and the dip in the housing market. When asked if the meetings could continue, i.e., if any input would be incorporated into the design, the developers indicated that they were done with design, and there was no need for further input.

Michael Szporluk, another nearby owner, managed to contact the SE district liaison at the Bureau of Development services, Jay Sugnet. Jay agreed to facilitate talks between the neighborhood and the developers. He said that the developers were eager to keep the dialogue going.

The developers and Jay were invited to the first formal meeting of the BCA Land Use Committee. Issues were once again discussed, but the developers and the architect were not receptive. They did, however, agree to keep meeting with a small group of the BCA.