In response to the ongoing discussion about the location of the proposed senior center project, I am strongly opposed to the development of the land in question in the senior center discussion. My reasoning is as follows:
If building in the flood plain continues, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will have to redraw the flood map to include more property. When it does flood (experts know eventually it will), how much more of Athens' real estate will be in the way because we've allowed the flood plain to be developed?
2) There are alternative sites.
What about the Mill Street Apartments site? What about the alternate site down by O'Bleness? Perhaps outside of town? What about the mostly vacant Ridges?
3) Competition for space.
The benefits of proximity do not outweigh the drawback of overcrowding. We are kidding ourselves when we assume that retirees want to be in a congested area like this. Is highway noise and high traffic volume your idea of a nice quiet retirement community?
4) How will the infrastructure support it?
How will the water treatment plant handle another huge building? We already smell the plant on the east side, and it didn't used to be like this.
b) Traffic:
How will the additional traffic be managed? The proposed access points would be from a dangerous part of Stimson Avenue and on from the end of Home Street.
c) Parking:
How will parking suffer? Where will the staff and residents park? Will parking overflow into the adjacent neighborhoods?
d) Effect of Construction:
What steps will be taken to minimize impact of construction on adjacent neighborhoods with regard to noise and heavy truck and equipment traffic? On the landscape and river with regard to runoff and sedimentation?
5) Green space is important.
People from all over town walk dogs, take children to play, relax, play sports, exercise in and access the bike path from this area. Where will we go in the meantime?
6) Will it help the local economy?
Seniors aren't big spenders; they are smart with their money. They aren't out buying big ticket items (aside from prescriptions). What Athens needs from development is TAX DOLLARS.
We enjoy the benefits of a conscientious, environmentally friendly, open spaces community. What makes Athens attractive is the lack of development and the spaces that we use as a community. We live in Athens, not Columbus or Cincinnati. If we wanted the concrete jungle, we'd move to the city.
-Myke Welch
Athens
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Letter to the Editor
