The Northwest Voice

I have been told that there is a state law that mandates that residents within 350 feet (I've also heard 450 and 500 feet) of a proposed project must be notified of that project.

Recently, there have been a number of articles about neighbors objecting to apartment communities proposed for their areas in the Northwest. In my neighborhood, Froelich Signature Homes has plans to build an "upscale apartment community" at the corner of Brimhall and Coffee Roads. Neighbors within 350 feet of the proposed project were notified. Unfortunately, they did not share their notification with others in the neighborhood until it was too late to register complaints (though some of us have done so anyhow!)

The entire neighborhood is affected. The City Planning Department and the Planning Commission approved this project, even though the gates in and out of the "upscale gated community" empty into our residential streets, dramatically increasing traffic and safety in the residential area (there are something like 250 apartment homes planned).

Since many of us didn't hear about it until after the lawful public comment period ended, the builder, by law, is allowed to proceed. Objections raised with city traffic and planning have been pretty much ignored since, as they stated to us, "The lawful period for public comment has expired."

However, the builder has stated that he wishes to be a "good neighbor" and we have not lost hope that he will relocate his entrance/exit gates.

There are two ways to attempt to avoid such problems. One is to get on the City Planning Department's notification list (write them a letter and tell them you want to be notified in writing of all projects planned for a specific area in your surrounding neighborhood), and the other is to visit the City Planning Department in person at least once a month. This is particularly important if you have vacant property adjacent to your community. A possible third solution is to study the law and appeal for a change in the law.

When an entire neighborhood is affected by a planned project, notifying people only 350 feet from that project doesn't make a lot of sense. Be an interested, active participant in your neighborhood! County and City Planning, the traffic department and developers do not know your neighborhood like you do!

Editor's note: According to Jim Eggert, principal planner with the city, by city ordinance the notice requirement is 300 feet from the project boundary (property lines). In terms of asking for notice for a specific area, Eggert said, "This is not usually done and difficult to actually accomplish since everyone will want their own specific area. I would instead encourage interested individuals to view our Web site for the Planning Commission agendas prior to each meeting. Their public hearing notices are also published online."