OPUS SPEAKS!

Earlier today, we received a copy of an email that OPUS Corporation had sent out to Morningside and Lenox Park neighbors. Since the writers of this blog want to let all sides of this issue have their say, we have posted it below. (From the beginning, we have asked the developers to let us know if we posted anything factually inaccurate and are pleased they have responded.)

We stand by what we wrote in yesterday's post, and will provide documentation to anyone who requests it.

Anyhow, here is what Opus had to say:


MLPA Residents,

As the developer of the proposed development at 1845 Piedmont Road referenced above, I want to quickly address some misconceptions and misinformation outlined in the attached e-mail prior to this evenings MLPA land use meeting.

Our plan does propose a 44 foot high parking deck. This is the same height we have requested from day one. However, to minimize the impact to neighbors, in the time since our original proposal, Opus has agreed to permanently preserve nearly two acres of land to act as a visual buffer for the Windermere Neighbor's. Additionally, we have agreed to the following zoning condition;

"Parking decks shall be designed with an exterior screen or landscaping to partially screen the view from adjacent public streets and adjoining properties. No parking deck shall be taller than the building(s) to which it is adjacent".

The discrepancy between what the Neighborhood has proposed (35 Feet) and our requested height (44 feet) is only 9 feet or 26%; no where near the 50% claimed in the attached e-mail. We are requesting 44 feet so that the project will be sufficiently parked. If enough spaces are not provided, then parking may overflow to surrounding streets and properties. Furthermore, the dedication of 2 acres of land at the rear of the property the amplified the need for adequate height to accommodate the required parking.


Secondly, the latest zoning conditions provide for the land currently zoned R-4 to be permanently preserved through a conservation easement. We have proposed that this area be improved to create a useable green space for all Morningside residents. The assertion that our proposal requests "cutting down underbrush and all trees under 10 inches in the R-4 forest to allow people living in their project to use the land for recreational purposes" is entirely untrue. This space will be permanently preserved and available for the entire community.


Opus has made every effort to mitigate the impact of this development on the surrounding neighborhoods. Opus has agreed to perform significant traffic improvements to the Piedmont corridor. Additionally, Opus has agreed to cut the density of the proposed project by 20% and has agreed to 21 zoning conditions proposed by the neighborhood. Opus is eternally conserving approximately 2 acres of Urban Forest and is; at its sole cost and expense, dedicating and creating a public space for the denizens of the MLPA.

Please come to tonight’s meeting and feel free to ask me directly about our development plan to be certain that you have up to date and accurate information.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.



Michael Dougherty

Opus South Corporation