Why would Councilmemeber O’Brien add this onerous new requirement to projects in the LR2 zones. Politics pure and simple. O’Brien is running for reelection and he’s heard lots from angry neighbors about projects in the low-rise zones, including LR 1 and 2 like this one in Crown Hill.

Here’s part of the neighbor’s notes about their meeting with O’Brien:

Notes from Meeting with Mike O’Brien 10/14/2014
Frank Scarabino, Jim Nicholls and I met with Councilman Mike O’Brien to discuss the planned development project in our neighborhood.  For all the preparation and points we presented it seemed there was ultimately little he could do for us, especially as the developer’s application is vested which means the application will be considered only under the applicable code at the time the application was filed.  So even if we could get the property rezoned today it would be too late.

Mike offered to contact the developer, Oleg Afichuk of Westcoast Homes, to suggest he set up a meeting with some folks from our neighborhood, to hear out our grievances and at least initiate a dialogue, but he wasn’t sure at the moment if that would breach some protocol, so we’ll find out soon if that’s even possible… will let you know.

Some of our members were contacted by O’Brien and he asked them to meet with the angry neighbors — alone. We declined. 

The addition of the design review requirement is simply his election year gift to surly neighbors in LR 1 and 2 zones who think they live or want to live in a single-family zone. Hopefully the need for more housing and the Mayor’s letter will result in the proposal being removed.