As a citizen who attended the recent work session for the University Heights City Council, I would like to offer my observations.This work session was called after discussion of the 34 points in the Maxwell Developer's Agreement was deferred at the Aug. 9 regular council meeting. Based on the progress that occurred at this work session, I feel the citizens of University Heights have finally received a great deal of clarity about One University Place and what it will offer.
The council finalized most of the 34 points in the developer's agreement. These included items such as the impact on the ravine, lighting standards, LEED certification, signage restrictions and restrictions on commercial establishments. Decisions were reached based on interactions and consensus.
The city also has a TIF proposal where there is no dollar outlay by the city or its current residents. All of the risk is on the developer. Emphasis needs to be made that whatever TIF is agreed upon, no financial risk is placed on University Heights. We now know that we will have community improvements with this development, including a community center.
We now know that there will be a revised intersection at Sunset Street and Melrose Avenue, resulting in improved traffic flow and safety to pedestrians, vehicles and bicyclists. We now know that both the front and back buildings will be smaller, resulting in fewer condos and adding additional green space.
We now know that about approximately 47 percent more tax revenue will be added to our city budget in the long term because of the development.
We will immediately begin receiving tax revenues when the initial phase of the project is completed. We will retain control of this property, thereby receiving both aesthetic and financial benefits.
We will ensure the longevity of our city and look forward to our centennial celebration in 2035.
Final approval of the Developer's Agreement and the TIF proposal will occur at a future council meeting, but we as citizens can now move forward with the same facts and information and base our decisions on these.
I appreciate all of the work done by the council, University Heights staff and those associated with the development. Let us now as a community move forward in a positive manner.
Jim Lane is a resident of University Heights.
