Letter: Used as a weapon

Published 12:15 am Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Owens II is approaching the finish line of the planning and permitting phase, and is nearly ready to begin construction. But it is being held up by yet another appeal, this time of the grading and erosion control permit approved by the city. Nearby property owners behind the appeal seem to believe the city erred in approving this project, and have continued to tie this project up in the appeals process.

Owens II has been dogged by NIMBYism (Not in my backyard) since the beginning, slowing the progress of building clearly necessary new housing. First entering the public process almost two years ago, the design’s approval by the Historic Landmarks Commission was appealed by the same property owners behind the current slowdown. This was after the architects altered the design based on feedback from multiple public meetings.

In response to recent concerns regarding ground excavation, the project has again been modified to require very little digging into the hillside. The city is confident this project can be safely built, but here we are again with further delay by appeal.

The public process exists to ensure that new projects get community feedback and are deemed to be safe and compatible with our neighborhoods. However, it must not be used as a weapon to delay or kill vital housing projects. Astoria needs to build Owens II, it will add 50 units for low-income seniors and people with disabilities.

We must reject the NIMBY mindset. Just build it, already!

VANCE LUMP

Astoria