To the Editor:

A number of letters have been written opposing the proposed residential project at the intersection of Harrison and Nassau streets in the historic Jugtown district.

I am a strong believer in our private enterprise system. Real estate developers are part of that system and well-done residential housing projects can be a real blessing to a community. The goal of the ordinance allowing for a relaxation of standards for such projects in historic districts is understandable given the need for affordable housing.

It does not mean, however, that such projects are entitled to an automatic green light. On the contrary, in this case, where a proposed project is in a particularly sensitive portion of a historic district, it should be carefully considered. That more than a thousand signatures have been obtained questioning the project does indicate just how sensitive this particular location is.

While my general inclination is to support projects that would encourage more affordable housing, in this case, based on everything I have learned, including traffic and aesthetic impacts, I believe that the proposed Jugtown project should be required to conform to the standards generally applicable to projects in a historic district.

Walter Frank
Riverside Drive