Comments on: COMMENTARY: Don’t Ignore Mason Avenue Parking Needs

By: Deborah Bender

Deborah Bender — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:13:44 +0000

VDOT will not allow angle parking.

By: Dana Lascu

Dana Lascu — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 01:46:36 +0000

Diagonal (angle) parking on Mason and on the side streets is a reasonable solution; volunteer-run valet parking for a nominal fee for special events is another. What is most important is to have a decent, happening downtown and it looks like we might be getting there. I agree with Debbie: we so need a “nice new building on that lot”!

By: Wayne Creed

Wayne Creed — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:22:37 +0000

Certainly, this seems like something simple enough for everyone to meet in the middle. The Town should have acquired this property years ago, but since they didn’t, this has to be looked at as a partnership. As a town, we need Mr. Hand to enter the risk/reward gambit, which as taxpayers, we hope will provide value for us, and profit for him. At the same time, the developer has to realize this is not taking place in an empty field somewhere, but in the Historic District — some strings may be attached. Seems like a no-brainer that some agreement could be reached where the Town receives some parking at an equitable price and Mr. Hand receives the permits and variances needed to move forward with the project. Ms. Bender’s parking concerns are appropriate, but I would also mention the residents of the Wilson Building, who do not have off-street parking either. When things start to spill over, where will they go?

Over time, efforts have been made to paint Bender and Wendell as obstructionists and fringe malcontents, yet when there are issues that affect all citizens of this village, you don’t find them turtled up in Sullivan’s Office supply, sneakily receiving mentoring on how to get invited to the Chamber of Commerce Christmas party, but out on the front lines, “damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.” When you think about the quality of people that you want to represent (fight for) your interests, I would admonish you not to forget or take this lightly.

By: Zac Hand

Zac Hand — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 16:52:50 +0000

If anyone would like to hear the actual facts of my father’s plan instead of misleading nonfactual information as well as his ideas on how pieces of the property will be used to improve the town, please come out to the zoning appeal boards meeting at 4 p.m. Thank you.

By: Stephen K. Fox

Stephen K. Fox — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 14:34:14 +0000

It is understandable that the proposed development of the old Colonial Store property raises concerns about parking in Town. It is, however, not the developer’s responsibility to solve the Town’s parking needs; he must address the impacts of the development, including parking and site circulation. If the Town requires public parking, it may reach a compromise with the developer, or develop its own public lot, but it should be prepared for both alternatives to be at a cost to the public. In other words, the Town cannot take his property to satisfy public needs even if the developer has requested siting waivers, etc.