[Mpls] Building heights

[David Greene]

Svattheriver at aol.com wrote:
> David Brauer wrote:" The difference between 10 stories and 13 is trivial. I  
> favor density."
> 
> He was referring to the growing pains of Uptown and the discussions  on this 
> list about appropriate development.
>  
> As a member of the Above the Falls Citizen Advisory Committee, I am very  
> aware of how a few stories in height can have a major impact in development  
> around the river.

The site is not anywhere near a river or a lake.  The closest lake is
Isles which is about six blocks away.  I don't think this thing will be
visible from there given the housing and treeline.  Even if it is,
it will be at worst similar to the magnificent view of the IDS tower
and downtown.

This was not an ugly building.

I'd also like to respond to David's comments about stable transit
and density.  It's true that density drives public transportation
and vice versa.  It _is_ a checken-and-egg problem which is why
some in our state legislature have abdicated their responsibility
and leadership in in this matter.  They don't want to move things
forward.

We need a stable budget for MetroTransit.  It's as simple as that.
We had the votes this session to secure that but the Governor
vetoed it.  No amount of increased density will convince this
Governor or this Speaker that public transportation is a necessity.
Stopping this development with excuses about the public transportation
situation is a cop-out.  The public transportation in the area is
excellent.  It's reliable and convenient.  I use it all the time.

Quality, stable public transportation in the metro _will_ happen,
and sooner rather than later.  Best to start developing for it now.

David Greene
The Wedge