Several residents of Central Avenue are not fans of the proposed Reserve at Mountain Pass in Alton Park - a 240 unit apartment complex.
Mike Price’s, speaking for the applicant, agreed that no parking should front Central Avenue, Kirkland Avenue or W. 51 Street, and that buildings will require a 25-foot setback. In addition to this, vegetation bordering W. 51 Street will remain for a minimum of 60 feet off the right of way.
Any vegetation further than the minimum distance can be removed during construction.
One area resident expressed her disapproval of the apartment complex being built, saying “Speaking of those apartments, a lot of development is being thrown in this area, which will make this area more congested. I thought there was going to be homes and residences, not apartments. I’m opposing the uplifting of these conditions.”
In addition to this, she also questioned why such a large decision was being made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These times we’re in, it’s not a good time for this. We need to gather our community together like she said and do this 60-foot thing, I’d like to have more protection there for this community here.”
Another resident was more concerned by the ecological impact cutting back on the growth of the slope would have on the neighborhood.
“I would love for it to be more than 60 feet,” the man said. “I would like to see it be put into a land trust and it’s an ecosystem. A lot of the houses are covered with old oaks. I think removing trees will begin to erode that, and put us at risk for more wind damage.”
A third woman said she was also not a supporter of the development, saying that an apartment may not benefit the community.
“All development is not good development,” she said, “but it can be good if the community and the builders can work together for the benefit of the residents.”
However, the Commission unanimously approved the project. It next goes to the City Council.