Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Concerns topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors urge council to protect green space and clarify affordability terms for Coggeshall proposal
Summary
During public comment on the Coggeshall School sale, dozens of residents praised the idea of renovating the vacant school but opposed duplexes on nearby city lots, urged a new appraisal and stricter rent limits, and pressed the council for more neighborhood engagement.
Residents who testified said they want the historic school rehabilitated but not at the cost of nearby playfields and neighborhood open space.
Becky Dewitt (speaker 7) told the council the proposal "will eliminate valuable green space" and said the rental numbers presented by the developer were not what neighbors expected. Tom Kane (speaker 17) and others said prior public meetings felt insufficient and urged the council to slow the process until community concerns about density and traffic are addressed.
Several speakers pointed to affordability questions. Penelope Hunt (speaker 20), a housing professional, clarified definitions: "Affordable housing means that the units are restricted to people making 60% of AMI or below. . . workforce housing . . . is the 80 to 120" range. Neighbors called for clearer, enforceable deed language and additional workshops before any final vote.
