Sidewalk Variances on the BZA Agenda for tomorrow - one more quick email asking that all sidewalk variances be denied?

Sidewalk Variances on the BZA Agenda for tomorrow - one more quick email asking that all sidewalk variances be denied???






For tomorrow's Board of Zoning Appeal Hearing, the request for sidewalk variances include:


- #2017-445, Trans Canada requesting to not build a sidewalk but a new compressor station instead
- #2017-435, Ira Shivitz, of 3706 Estes Rd, would like to build a single family home but is requesting a sidewalk variance
- #2017-425, Jason Oggs, of 2312, 2314, 2316 Whites Creek Rd, would like to build 3 duplexes but not the sidewalk
- #2017-422, West Nashville Living, would like to build a single family home at 6212 Morrow Rd and replace the existing foot print of sidewalk instead of the new wider sidewalk and grass strip
- #2017-413, Ambrosia Catering, would like to build a new kitchen but is requesting a variance against the sidewalk requirement
- #2017-327, Rajesh Nair, of 446 37th Av N, would like to build a single family home but is requesting a variance against the sidewalk requirement




The typical variances being requested are:
- no payment to the in-lieu fee at all
- no build and pay in-lieu fee
- no payment of the in-lieu fee and keep nonconforming
- pay in-lieu fee and keep nonconforming

The BZA Meets: Every other THURSDAY, 1:00 p.m., at 700 Second Avenue S

Contact

Bill Herbert
bza@nashville.gov


BZA Page/Information  --- Published agendas can be found via this link at the bottom of the page.





Information about zoning appeals including for sidewalk variance for tomorrow can be found at:


https://www.nashville.gov/document/ID/4dadeae4-5d1c-4b32-bc9a-0adf61dff375/February-1-2018-Agenda


A typical case looks like this:


CASE 2017-425 (Council District – 02)

Jason Oggs, appellant and owner of the property located at 2312, 2314, & 2316 Whites Creek Pike, requesting a variance from sidewalk requirements in the District, to construct three duplexes. Referred to the Board under Section 17.20.120. The appellant alleged the Board would have jurisdiction under Section 17.40.180(B). Use-Duplex

Map 7-4 Parcel(s) 189

I'm appalled that owner is requesting variance particularly when he is ie) building 3 duplexes! 


With the creation of density, we need high quality walking infrastructure aka sidewalks!

***

I've heard of a case recently where the home owner wanted to build their piece of the sidewalk, had it priced by they contractor, but was told they couldn't, that they must pay the in-lieu fee instead. 


If you hear of any cases like this or see a sidewalk variance request, please forward to me.




Here is my email:

Hello BZA,

I've requested the case file on #2017-435 early on Monday & have still not received it.  My understanding is the case will go before the BZA tomorrow.  I respectfully ask you to send the file ASAP.

I'm also writing to ask that you deny all sidewalk variance requests.  I looked through the list for tomorrow and am appalled that land owners are requesting variances to not build in such great numbers. 

We are desperate for walkability in Nashville.  We have just passed our most deadly year in Nashville for pedestrians and it is largely due to our severe and unconscionable lack of safe  pedestrian infrastructure (ie) sidewalks.  Not to mention that we are out of ADA compliance in most of our city in direct opposition to federal law.

Please, I am asking you to deny sidewalk variance fully.  We are  > 60 years behind in creating a walkable city.  We need the sidewalk network to be built and we need it now for our health and safety.