To the Editor:

I would like to propose some original thinking about Jugtown. The proposal that came before the Historic Preservation Commission was a huge building on a tiny lot. It looked as if the developer told the architect, “What is the most floor area we can jam into this lot and make the most money?” This four-story building is out of proportion in Jugtown.

I have a suggestion. There are several properties in the immediate vicinity of this proposed construction with odd layouts, strange parking arrangements, and unused buildings. It might be prudent for the developer to approach several of the adjacent property owners and work to consolidate several lots and build something that would improve the whole neighborhood. Right now, there are several tiny parking areas, each with its own access driveways and walls, barriers, curbs, and a variety of other features that make the parking arrangement inefficient. Whole Earth Center’s parking is terribly wasteful. If the developer had a larger footprint encompassing several lots there arises the possibility of making a building that worked better for the whole area.

Imagine if the developer could convince the foot doctor on North Harrison to include his lot in the project. The firehouse is not being used as a firehouse. The building itself is not historic. There is an empty lot where the township stores work vehicles. Imagine if the Whole Earth food store were to join in a development and reorganize the existing parking into a more prudent arrangement.

Consolidating several lots would give a developer a long street front on North Harrison with which to accommodate a more useful structure. One could envision enough footprint to have serious underground parking. The foot doctor could have upstairs offices, the food store could have space for a less jumbled store, and a four-story structure full of condos and affordable housing could be set back and not be a visual affront to the neighborhood.

There is no reason why the plot lines laid out ages ago must force development into a dozen small four-story buildings. Consolidate lots! Preserve the elder buildings in front and use the large footprint behind the historic buildings to make a building that has enough space to be profitable.

Meanwhile if the developer worked with the Bank of America they could build outside the sensitive historic area with a huge footprint. Get creative! Think outside the BOX!

Alex Randall
Queenston Place