The email blast below is from Kessi's Krew - the Big Guns of the MegaWizer Block.
Dag nab it, it's just like a cat screechin' on the back fence on a hot summer night when you just want to get some shut eye. No rest right now, we got some cowpokin' to do. Now where were we - oh yeah. Blast me.
Thankfully we live in a democracy where discourse, debate and diversity of opinion is not only tolerated but welcomed. In Lake Oswego the debate around the Wizer Block redevelopment is certainly lively.
What's Democracy got to do with this development? If we had to vote on it, the thing would be dead within seconds!
Democracy. Discourse. Diversity. Tolerance. These are loaded words meant to cast an ethical shadow on opponents. Cute trick, but an old one. I think we can all see what they are trying to do here,
But in order to have an honest debate and reach an informed opinion, one must have the true facts.
Honesty and integrity has to do with telling the truth and not being all coy about the words you choose. I'll show you my facts if you can show me how you reached yours.
Opponents are saying that the new re-design is three times the size of the surrounding structures and Lake View Village.
That is simply not true
The Lake View Village structure, separated by alleyways is 236,852 sq.ft. Wizer Block separated into three separate buildings each with distinct facades and with generous pedestrian walkways is 291,963 sq.ft.
Sorry - I already proved this can't be true. You have to include the parking in the LVV figures to get to a number that high, while the Wizer number is all building and no parking. Twisting or spinning the numbers does not change them. But please, prove me wrong! Send me a diagram with shading on the areas of each floor that you are counting to get to 236,852 sf. and I will apologize and go back to math class.
Opponents are saying that the new re-design is too massive to fit in with Lake View Village.
That is simply not true
Wizer Block has three very separate buildings. The largest building is 122,527 sq.ft. The largest building in Lake View Village is 219,000 sq.ft.
Didn't I deal with this already too? OK - here we go again: The largest building in LVV CANNOT be 219,000 sf since 1) there are 6 buildings, 2) the buildings do not cover the entire block, 3) the buildings are only 2 stories, 4) and the entire block is only 104,000 sf by itself. To get to the 219k figure, ONE of the six buildings would have to cover the entire block and then some leaving no room for the other 5 and no alleys, walkways, etc. Can't be done. Or if so, please show me how!
Opponents are saying that the new re-design is too tall.
That is simply not true
No building in Wizer Block is taller than the code limit of 60'. Lake View Village needed an exemption to allow some peaks to exceed the code limit.
By 2 feet? Still doesn't touch the issue of mass and density. 4 stories vs 2 just for starters.
Opponents are saying that the newly re-designed Wizer Block is not in keeping with code. Opponent Leslie Pirotta is quoted as saying "The city code has worked successfully as a guide for development in Lake Oswego ...this kind of development will change the direction Lake Oswego is going." Opponent Lita Grigg says "...this kind of development proposed, would be good in the Pearl District not in Lake Oswego."
That is simply not true
The newly re-designed Wizer Block 137 meets the strict terms of the Lake Oswego planning and development code. In fact both Lake View Village and Block 136 developments requested close to triple and double the number of exceptions to the LO code. The new design of Block 137 relies heavily on the work of noted LO architect, Rich Farrington. The new re-design utilizes accepted LO style architecture and is very compatible with the village character.
I won't get into another person's argument, but the message here is the same as it always has been - the thing is just too darned big. And too monolithic. And too densely populated. And I could go on. No, this would not be a good plan for the Pearl District - it's too small. It fits in well with other large scale developments where institutional investors like to play - near freeways and with lots of room for parking -- like Orenco Station or the Lloyd District. And as for the codes, they need an overhaul because our planners got ahead of their customers - us. But the current codes DO limit the size of downtown developments to a small village scale, and that is not a code this megamonster can meet.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but facts must not be ignored, changed or distorted just because they are not useful in pushing agendas. The newly re-designed Wizer Block is the result of cooperation between community and landowner. It is the result of people coming together with a vision for an energetic core with living and retail options that will attract young professionals and "empty nesters." It is the result of commitment to getting it right, working with city code and presenting true facts.
I get it - we are all pushing agendas here. We want a livable, small town environment, and you want to put a huge rock in our shoe. You will make money off of that rock, and we will be left with a sore foot. Not a very good trade for us. Not good at all. Since none of you live here, it is obvious what your agenda is, and since this is our home, you can pretty well figure out ours. BTW - where do you all live, and how can we make some dough in your back yard?
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