Historical February–March 2022 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The swift process and lack of transparency for the Imo’s proposal by the SDCC Board is quite concerning. Something is broken here.
The neighborhood emails gave no details on the proposal, nor were there any on the SD website, nor the SD Facebook page.
There was no Zoom link to attend the 6:30pm Jan 10th SDCC board meeting.
It said “call for online access if not on Board.” Call the office? When? Someone is going to read a website address over the phone? Why make attendance cumbersome? Furthermore the SD website events calendar listed a different meeting time, 7 pm, and a Google Meets link, which I found one other lost neighbor attending.
The email said the proposal would be discussed at the Jan 10th meeting, nothing about a vote being taken.
I encourage to board to enact a policy of not voting on a proposal at the same meeting it is first presented.
The FPSE Neighborhood Association puts information on its website (www.forestparksoutheast.com) ahead of meetings and how to attend is quite clear. Let’s take the same approach.
As for the proposal, it goes against the neighborhood plan, the TOD plan, current zoning, the forthcoming form-based code, and the Delmar Link redevelopment plan put into ordinance in 1994.
The neighborhood plan states “the vision for this area can be described as a vibrant, dense urban residential neighborhood with mixed-use edges connected to the city through enhanced transit, safe pedestrian and bike access, and alternative modes of transportation.” The proposal is not mixed-use.
It and the TOD plan call for 3-8 story mixed-use for this part of Delmar. Given its proximity to the Delmar Metrolink station and our considerable investment in transit, it’s incumbent upon us to leverage it through development that is commensurate with that investment. Encouraging driving, and all the dangers and negative externalities that come with it, via a drive-thru on Delmar is antithetical to the goal of making Delmar a pedestrian-first place.
I fear for those using the patio space who would be in the path of vehicles turning from eastbound Delmar to access the drive-thru.
The draft form-based code, if implemented, would place a minimum height of 3 stories, 40 feet, and zero foot build-to-lines on both Delmar and DeGiverville for at least 85% of the frontage.
The proposal is one story, is built to the property line for about 50% of its Delmar frontage, and 0% along DeGiverville. Current zoning for the parcel is type F. Neighborhood Commercial which says that a carry-out restaurant which abuts a residential district must be on a lot no less than 20,000 square feet.
This lot abuts a zone A. Single Family to the south and is less than 8,000 sf.
The Delmar Link redevelopment plan in ordinance 63183 specifically forbids drive-thrus and carry-out restaurants. Given how out-of-bounds this proposal is, it should have been an instant no.
The very first issue of this publication in April 1970 covered the opposition to a proposed drive-in Jack-in-the-Box at the southwest corner of Skinker and Delmar. Where did we lose our way? We’ve been saying no repeatedly to proposals elsewhere waiting for ones that better fit our desires expressed in the plans. We’ve had more information dissemination, engagement, and meetings on proposals elsewhere.
It is disappointing that we cannot count on the board to be stewards of the plans and redevelopment ordinance that neighbors have put so much effort into over the decades.
We need a better approach to inform neighbors, allow time to consider, and opportunity to give feedback. At this point neighbors with concerns about the proposal will need to take them to Ald Clark-Hubbard and, should it go before them, the Board of Adjustment and the Preservation Board.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2022.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Archival transcription note: Source calls April nineteen seventy first issue, though earlier March issue exists; printed statement preserved.
Original source: SD_Times2022_02.pdf, printed page(s) 2; PDF page(s) 2.
