From: Dennis Steinman

Sent: Wed Sep 16 10:31:43 2020

To: Council Clerk – Testimony

Cc: Dennis Steinman

Subject: Alamo Manhattan South Waterfront Project

Importance: Normal

Microsoft Exchange Server;converted from html;

Dear City Council Members,

I oppose the City of Portland’s Design Commission’s approval of the Alamo Manhattan project in South Waterfront. I am NOT opposing development of this property, in fact I welcome it. But I have great concerns over how this proposed project will be built.

The current proposal allows for two 250-foot towers (on the river-front side of the property) and two 74-foot inland buildings. A total of 1200 residences, 985 parking spaces and commercial spaces are included and will represent an increase of almost 40% to the South Waterfront Community. In our opinion the placement of the buildings does not meet the specific guidelines of the South Waterfront which state there should be graduated building heights from the western boundary down toward the waterfront. Guidelines also call for sculpted tower designs like the John Ross and Ardea. Not the huge bulky buildings proposed by the developer.

In order to get the bonus heights, the developer Alamo Manhattan had to concede to certain greenway standards and this is where we feel the developer has simply taken advantage of getting maximum concessions and doing the very minimum to enhance the waterfront. The proposed towers are too close to the river, do not provide public amenities or provide for public usage i.e. access to the water, boat ramp, dock etc. In addition, the designs for the greenway give the feeling it (the Greenway) is for the private use of the Alamo Manhattan residents and not the public. By far, this is the most important issue to be addressed. This Greenway space is one of the last segments along the Willamette to be developed and it must be done right because once it is gone, it is gone forever. It is so important that both Prosper Portland and Portland Parks and Recreation have offered to provide funds to ensure the Greenway design meets more than minimum standards. Both offers have been refused by the developer.

Along with the City Council, I am very concerned about the Greenway, and the fact the developer has simply taken advantage of legal loopholes allowing it to remove eco roofs and bird resistant glass on the proposed project. I urge the City Council to reverse the Design Commissions approval of the project as proposed.

Thank you,

Dennis Steinman