A community meeting is scheduled for tonight to discuss the proposal to turn the former Apple Storage building near 52nd and Baltimore, which is now vacant, into residential apartments.
The private equity investment firm Iron Stone, which has developed high-end apartments elsewhere in the city, proposes to convert the commercial building into 112 loft-style apartments. The plan also includes 2,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 92 parking spaces in the rear of the building.
Members of the community group Cedar Park Neighbors and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association support the plan as a way to spur development along the Baltimore Avenue commercial corridor. Some concerns have been voiced about the affordability of the apartments and possible property tax increases resulting from the project.
The plan still needs zoning approval to switch the building’s designation from commercial to residential. Discussion of that zoning variance will be the focus of tonight’s meeting, which is being held at the Arnett A.M.E. Church at 815 S. 53rd Street (near Whitby Ave.) starting at 7 p.m. Among those scheduled to be in attendance tonight is a representative of the Office of Property Assessment, who will address concerns about increased property taxes.
February 15th, 2012 at 11:56 am
I think this project and additional residents will also benefit businesses along 52nd Street. The Ethiopian grocer at 52nd and Webster deserves more customers! They have a good selection for such a small space and, unlike a lot of the African grocers on 52nd Street, keep regular hours.
I hope everyone comes out tonight and this can be the last community meeting on the project (this is the fourth)!
February 15th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
In case anyone wants to hear the main opponent of this project in his own words:
http://ucreview.com/uc-review-news-hourwpen-fm-p3223-1.htm
He has not very nice things to say about CPN.
He’s concerned about environmental aspects of renovating the property but wants to maintain the industrial use for more jobs.
He says 112 apartments with hundreds of residents would bring in less money to area businesses than the warehouse having an active industrial use. He doesn’t think new residents would shop in the area because of the transit connections to other shopping districts in the city.
February 18th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Cedar Park Neighbors is circulating a petition of support for this project. Residents of Cedar Park AND of the area between 52nd & 54th, Cedar to Springfield are urged to add their signatures. I have a copy at VIX Emporium (5009 Baltimore) if anyone wants to stop by, I am here till 7.
February 20th, 2012 at 9:27 am
The CPN petition is also available online here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-apple-lofts/
Please consider signing to make sure Councilwoman Blackwell is aware of the level of SUPPORT the project has among residents of Cedar Park and the immediate area (52nd/54th-Springfield/Cedar). Thanks!