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A response to Kevin Fisher's opinion piece in the Free Times: The fact that it took the razing of a 78 year old home in Heathwood Hall (despite promises to the contrary) to finally bring the issue to the forefront is perhaps unfortunate for a number of reasons, but at least it is has made it an issue that city government must deal with. Mr Fisher hammers away on Mayor Coble, property values, tax revenue and historic preservation. I suppose comparing his and Coble's records lets us know what we are missing in the Mayor's office. The fact is that increased density and property values does increase tax revenue which may burden long time residents, some of who may be on a fixed income putting them at risk of losing the home they have worked to pay for. Historic preservation on the grand scale of Olympia and Granby Mills is not what we are talking about here. Infill development can be used appropriately and is part of the recommended overall plans for so-called Smart Growth. In the larger picture, I would imagine that many of those attending the packed City Council meeting on August 15 were concerned that the house next door or down the street could be demolished without notice and one MacMansion or two or more townhouses be built by developers looking to make a quick buck. It's not so much about historic preservation, but the preservation of the integrity and texture of our in town neighborhoods. Subdividing lots and building houses that can cost twice as much and are sometimes a third larger or more than other homes in 50 year old neighborhoods is just not appropriate. Building structures with designs and materials that are not consistent with the existing homes in the neighborhood is not appropriate. Packing in houses with setbacks and lot coverages that may meet the letter of the current zoning codes, but are out of place in a neighborhood is not appropriate. Without knowing the actual plans for the Heathwood property except for nine new structures to be built in an area known for large lots, spacious yards and premium construction, it's hard to say precisely, but it doesn't sound particularly appropriate either. Columbia has made many a mistake trying to follow Atlanta's lead, but in this area Atlanta has been working to find a solution to inappropriate infill development by involving neighborhoods, developers, realtors, architects, city planners and others to develop a comprehensive plan. Other cities across the country are dealing with the same issue. What Fisher, developers and other pro-developer politicians and advocates are missing, is that neighborhoods are places that people call home, sometimes for 50 or more years. They are not just revenue generators or profit opportunities. Infill development can be done well with input from neighborhoods, and a permit process that does more than just check compliance with zoning codes. Lewis Kirk |