[Neighbors] New building height allowances along Central in "upper" Nob Hill

[Jana Hazelbaker via Neighbors_nobhill-nm]

The problem that results from such heights - if every property owner or
many of them take advantage of the new allowances - is that the street
becomes canyonized - as a canyon with wind tunneling through and with sheer
high walls that block sunlight to the sidewalks if not neighboring
properties.

I moved here from a community that was subjected to this very malfeasance
by the city. And because it was a two lane street, the amount of traffic
being created by the larger buildings created a nightmare, not just for
local residents and other travelers to the restaurants and retail
establishments but also for emergency vehicles. Fortunately the citizens
took charge - had to hire attorneys and wage a court fight over many months
while also voting out of office the city councilmen who allowed it, but the
citizens ultimately prevailed to stop the carnage while there was still a
bit of sunlight available. Some city personnel even lost jobs when it
was determined that they weren't too careful about signing off on plans
that violated even the new height limits and setbacks, or actually accepted
bribes to do so.

But that would never happen here would it?! Regardless, in the case of my
former residence, the damage was done and will remain - grossly congested
roadway, inadequate (more like nonexistent) parking, and oversized
buildings on small lots providing an odd streetscape. Albuquerque city
officials seem hellbent on destroying the historic nature of the Nob Hill
neighborhood --- this proposal if approved will surely speed up the
process. Who's driving it? Developers of course. Who's aiding and abetting
them and what's the quid pro quo?

Jana Hazelbaker
Morningside SE property owner

On Thu, Mar 9, 2017 at 3:24 PM, Flora Silva via Neighbors_nobhill-nm <
neighbors_nobhill-nm at mailman.swcp.com> wrote:

> Well said, Tandi. This was discussed at the NH Board Meeting. Sixty-five
> feet is way too high!
>
> Flora
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Tandi Hufnagel via Neighbors_nobhill-nm <
> neighbors_nobhill-nm at mailman.swcp.com>
> *To:* neighbors_nobhill-nm at mailman.swcp.com; patdavis at cabq.gov
> *Sent:* Thursday, March 9, 2017 1:24 PM
> *Subject:* [Neighbors] New building height allowances along Central in
> "upper" Nob Hill
>
> HI Pat and neighbors,
>
> I've been attending some of the recent zoning meetings that are planning
> new codes for the Central corridor, specifically relating to the new ART
> line and the stations.  My concern is building heights being proposed
> nearby the stations, specifically the Solano station.
>
> The new height allowances would be 45 feet as a standard zoning height
> along Central, plus a 20 foot bonus for being near a station, equaling a
> total of 65 feet.  This would apply to the old Aztec motel lot for
> example.  That height is incredibly out of place for the surrounding
> neighborhood and the current commercial structures.  65 feet would allow
> for a FIVE story building - the idea of a five story building looming over
> Central as well as being an eyesore for many blocks in all directions is
> completely not in sync with historic preservation, community desires, or
> even basic aesthetics.  The three story condo at Central and Silver is
> already pushing the limit of what many neighborhood residents feel is an
> acceptable building height.
>
> I've been to the business meetings and listened to the developers, and the
> neighborhood meetings and listened to residents.  As both a resident and
> Nob Hill business manager I understand both sides.  I agree that more
> density will benefit the neighborhood, adding vitality, more foot traffic,
> and increased business support.  However, this needs to be done within
> reasonable growth limits, and 65 feet is way, way above what is appropriate.
>
> The current restrictions of 39 feet from Carlisle to Aliso, and 54 feet
> from Aliso to Washington, are the maximum that should be allowed, including
> near stations.  This would allow for consistent building development
> without creating glaringly irregular massings of "old" vs "new"
> developments that would not flatter this historic neighborhood.  These
> existing building heights restrictions are plenty high enough for a retail
> ground floor or wrap around a parking structure, and residential units
> above.
>
> Pat, since it sounds like you have a key hand in writing the new zoning
> for our district, I urge you to reconsider the 20 foot "bonus" proposed
> near the stations, and near the Solano station in particular.
>
> Thanks,
> Tandi Hufnagel
>
>
>
>
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