Help Protect the Character of Belle Isle

Attention Residents: Help Protect the Character of Belle Isle

Tell the Developer What You Think About His Proposal to Build a 5-Story Steel and Glass Building at 31 Venetian Way

Tuesday, Feb 24@7:00pm

The owner of the rental apartments at 31 Venetian Way is proposing to demolish the four existing 3-story rental apartment buildings and replace them a massive 5-story luxury rental apartment building.

The Board of Directors of the Belle Isle Residents Association voted unanimously to oppose this project as proposed because we feel strongly that it is the wrong project for our neighborhood for many reasons including:

• The project is completely out of scale and not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood, which consists of humble smaller buildings and single family homes;

• The proposed building is 5 stories tall with architectural features that add additional height on the roof. It is the length of two football fields and forms an imposing wall of steel and glass almost the entire length of the property along the bay, Venetian Way and abutting the single family homes on Farrey Lane;

• The proposed increased size in the building area will add an additional 59 apartment units to the lot, bringing the total to 179;

• The building as proposed is designed to the maximum height, maximum density and maximum number of units allowed in the neighborhood while providing minimum setback with no green space and the minimum amount of required parking;

• The required "view corridor" as proposed contains a bridge of apartments, boxing in the view to the bay;

• All new buildings require a baywalk that is accessible to the public. The plans for this project are unclear as to the design and access.

At the first Design Review Board hearing, the developer was told to meet with the residents so that we can voice our concerns. Now is your chance to have your voice heard.

The developer and his attorney will present their project at BIRA's meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24^th at 7:00pm at 20 Island Avenue on the first floor. All residents are invited to see the developer's proposal and share their views.