Petitions Oppose NeNo

Volunteers from NCPOA are circulating petitions opposing the Near North development.

Since defeating a destructive urban renewal plan fifty years ago, we have worked to improve our neighborhood. As YIMBYs, we've welcomed thirty-seven new homes, condos, and apartments since I joined the group in 1981. In recent years, we've seen more families choose to raise their children here.

But five years ago, at the height of the real estate bubble, a group of novice developers paid too much for a row of homes along North Main Street. Now they're going to lose a ton of money--unless they can get the city to approve a supersized building there.

NeNo is the third plan they've presented for this site. And like the Terraces on Main and "NoMa," it violates almost every aspect of the city's plans and zoning for this block. The only difference is that this time, the developers have cut a deal with Avalon Housing to make it affordable housing.

That's an important goal, and one that we support. But it shouldn't trump the city's entire planning and zoning process--and that's exactly what the developers are trying to do.

Five years ago, we told the developers that we would support tripling the density on this site. They never replied--but we still would support such a project for Avalon. To get there, though, we first have to stop this cynical and the destructive plan. To sign the petition, or to help circulate it, please email John Hilton or Tom Fitzsimmons.