[Mpls] Lagoon Project and Other Uptown Developments

[David Brauer]

Just playing devil's advocate here...given my previous general opinions on
area traffic.

Gary Farland writes:

A 13 story building and other developments that far exceed the zoning
> heights are great for developers, in that they can sell lake views.  But,
in the process the rest
> of us have to look at these buildings that ruin the natural skyline and
cause congestion that
> the infrastructure is not designed to handle.

Won't argue the "natural skyline" point, though it is subjective. However,
it's my understanding is that the shot-down Lagoon development is less dense
than the parcel is zoned for ... in other words, the developers could build
four stories property-line-to-property-line and be within the zoning density
- yet would actually add a bit MORE congestion to the area.

So - visual considerations aside - is it really fair to tag the Lagoon
project for "causing congestion the infrastructure is not designed to
handle," when, congestion-wise, it's within the density limit?

This is of course, notwithstanding the other condo projects slated for the
area. But again, I wonder how fair it is to blame the Lagoon for congestion
issues when it's less dense than its zoning permits?

Comments, explanations welcome. 

David Brauer
Kingfield