We, the undersigned Red Avocado patrons and supporters, OPPOSE the demolition of 521 E Washington and neighboring buildings. The proposed new development building’s size, height, and residential density are incompatible with the residential character of the neighborhood.

Furthermore, the period of notice given to the existing businesses in the building is not acceptable, since a mere thirty days' notice was given immediately prior to a three-day holiday weekend, effectively shortening the time allowed for those businesses to pursue alternative options. Alternative options, in turn, are severely limited due to development projects elsewhere in the city that have rendered potential retail spaces unusable for these businesses or too expensive to consider.

We SUPPORT development that preserves the scale and land use characteristics of the east edge of the downtown commercial district: small, owner-occupied buildings with ground floor commercial establishments and a second story of residential use. We support the preservation of the character of Red Avocado's neighborhood and a fair opportunity for this landmark, nationally famous restaurant to continue operations.