Hubris In The Triangle, Part Deux
Things seem to be heating up in the Triangle. Frankly it is rarely otherwise when big developer with grande plans buys desolate property in a historic preservation district. Neighbors are wary. Developer wants his/her way.
I addressed the situation previously here. Type “Cogan” in the Search box and the story will come up. Cogan refers to Kevin Cogan, the developer who is Jefferson Development Group (JDG).
Okay, I’ll admit, my previous post is inflammatory. My bad. I tend to rant first and listen later. Not the most admirable character trait. But I’m one of those wary neighbors. And I’m on a subcommittee of the Cherokee Triangle Association (CTA), formed to consider JDG’s proposals. Levity is called for. I intend to try to do my part.
JDG bought the Aquarius Apartments on the 1000 block of Cherokee Road.
They are not the prettiest sight, and are totally out of place in the neighborhood. In fact, their construction in the 70’s was a catalyst that spurred the Triangle to adopt the development strictures of a Historic Landmark Neighborhood. That a developer with the aesthetics of JDG would want to replace the property should have been a glorious moment for all.
It’s never that easy.
JDG’s desire, at least originally, was to build a grand condominium complex — literally Cherokee Grande — on the scale of its recently completed sixplex on Park Boundary Road, overlooking the park near Bonnycastle. Which idea is plenty nifty except for this — it doesn’t come close to complying with the laws, regulations and guidelines that dictate what can or cannot be built in the Triangle.
Which didn’t stop the JDG from handing out glossy, colorful brochures about the new building during the Bellarmine Showcase, which was weeks, perhaps months, before an initial proposal for Landmarks approval was filed. Which chutzpah is one factor that has many residents in the Triangle on guard. JDG, a savvy developer, proceeded with a PR campaign in hopes of winning over the neighbors. It’s a legitimate and time-tested plan, especially in this Spin Zone Era.
JDG reps, including Cogan, met with CTA Board members, members of a CTA subcommittee formed to deal with this particular project, staff of Planning & Zoning Commission, staff of Landmarks, and members of the Architectural Review Committee for Landmarks. They have also lobbied individual residents of the neighborhood.
Though I was not present, it is my understanding that every governmental organization with whom Jefferson Development has met, has advised — clearly advised in at least two written reports — that the proposed project wasn’t even close to compliance with applicable guidelines, regulations, laws and ordinances in terms of scale, mass, height. Even with that input, JDG’s formal proposal submitted to Landmarks was for a building way larger than would be acceptable.
Though I was not present, it is reported that Cogan himself told a meeting of a neighborhood organization early on that the building would not be built at less than six stories. His minions now advise that isn’t as written in stone as first presented.
Ah, yes, Negotiation 101: Ask for the galaxy, settle for Jupiter.
I’m told by one of his hired flacks that JDG is now willing to settle for 4 1/2 stories on Cherokee Road, and a 5 story setback. Which, of course, fails to respect the rights to view the sun for those living on the 1000 block of Everett. Not to mention that it is still way taller and larger than the guidelines, regulations and laws.
So, it seems to be getting personal. Which is sad, but all too common in these situations. JDG wants to make a lot of money. Good for them. It’s America. Go for it. Thus those who want a project, but want one that fits into the neighborhood scheme, tend to demonize Cogan, who is the face of the proposal. Unfortunately JDG doesn’t seem inclined to want to adhere to the same rules that the rest of the Triangle folks have had to follow. Residents have long since accepted the process, willingly, because it’s the development strictures that have kept this such a desirable neighborhood. Even with, I might note, the presence of the Aquarius Apartments.
Frankly the neighbors don’t care how much money JDG makes. What they want is a building that feels right and doesn’t overwhelm. And complies. Okay, the neighbors would also like not to be threatened by JDG’s PR machine.
The point here is that reasonable minds can prevail. Jefferson Development could build a showplace condominium complex that would blend in, do the neighborhood proud, make the neighbors happy and still make a tidy profit. The ball is in JDG’s court. The official proposal before Landmarks still isn’t even close to being compliant. JDG should truly understand that by now. If it doesn’t, their ears need a serious dewaxing.
JDG can choose to continue to spend money and expend energy, schmoozing up support for an oversized project. Or it can listen to those neighbors in the majority and, more important, the administrators who shall be assessing and passing on the proposal. JDG could get its architects cracking, and cut the proposed building down to a legitimately reasonable size. Not something close to reasonable, mind you, but something really in compliance.
Both sides of this imbroglio might better spend their time in legitimate dialog, rather than hiring spinmeisters. What JDG must try to understand is that there is no “opposition” to a project. Those it considers to be obstructionists are merely trying to get JDG to play by the same rules as everybody else who wants to build or renovate in the Triangle.
If cooler heads prevail, if egos are set aside, it could be the proverbial win-win for all. Frankly, we’re not there yet.
But, after we do get there, and the dust has settled on this imbroglio, we can then start talking about how grande a skyscraper JDG wants to erect at the corner of Willow and Baringer.
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