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Residents Wary Of High Rises? Buy 'Em A Balloon

Posted by: Nate Berg

16 February 2007 - 2:00pm

In order to help residents understand the possible implications of a new multi-story transit oriented development, a developer plans to illustrate building heights by raising large balloons into the air where the buildings would stand.

"Six balloons — outlining the height and width of the proposed structures — will be raised by developer Petrie Ross Ventures from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, giving residents a visual of what the buildings’ sizes."

"The balloons will be between 8 and 10 feet in diameter."

"Asked if resident opposition expected by many at the balloon exercise could alter the conceptual site plan, County Councilman Thomas E. Dernoga said, 'Yes, that is the point of the test.'"

"While some residents say the Greenbelt development would benefit the local economy — and offer more retail options for College Park residents — the potential building heights and train noise reflected into North College Park would be detrimental to the community. Residents are worried that noise reflection off the new buildings will make the increase the noise from Metro trains."

Full Story: Balloons show size of Metro intentions
Source: The Gazette, February 15, 2007
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No matter how one wanted to organize the ideal city, housing security would be part of it. No community can function effectively if large numbers of its residents are regularly displaced or perpetually at risk of being displaced.
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