We respectfully request that you postpone the 3731 Forest Drive re-zoning decision. We believe that the benefits of waiting for the results of the Forest Drive traffic study far outweigh the costs of proceeding without being fully informed.

With the inevitable increase in traffic from adding a nearly 5,000 square foot commercial facility so close to the 2nd busiest intersection in Forest Acres (Forest Dr. and Beltline Blvd.), it would be wise to delay a decision until the study's recommendations can be taken into account.

The consultants performing the study have explicitly stated that "steps must be taken before [traffic increases from 27,000 to the road's capacity of about 30,000 daily drivers] to mitigate the growth of traffic."

A full consideration of the impact of re-zoning would include exploring the ramifications of building a commercial structure at least twice the size of most of the surrounding homes.

We believe that granting this request will allow the construction of an overly large facility that would be injurious to the neighborhood feel of Forest Acres that is so frequently cited on Forest Acres' own website (http://www.forestacres.net/)

We appeal to the principles in such statements as found on page 11 of the Forest Acres Master Plan 2009: "The City of Forest Acres should pursue policies to protect and enhance the quality of life of its residents."

Delaying this request for re-zoning in order to weigh all the facts would protect Forest Acres as a whole.

Important points to consider:

1. Regarding traffic congestion, in 2009, the Forest Dr./Beltline Blvd. intersection was second only to the Forest Drive/Trenholm Road intersection, which, even at that time, was running at 103% capacity. An increase in accidents would be statistically inevitable. This will certainly include overflow traffic onto the very narrow Valley and John Francis Roads. Both roads are frequently used by walkers in the neighborhood on their way to or from Quinine Park.

2. The average size of the homes in this area is right around 1,600 square feet (according to tax records). The applicant wishes to build a nearly 5,000 square foot facility with plans to lease space to at least one additional commercial tenant. As stated in the 2009 Master Plan, "Future development should be sustainable and compatible with the community." We believe forcing a facility of this size onto this lot is incompatible with the surrounding community. Denying this request will prevent a number of problems inherent to a business of this size, not to mention any future increases due to the addition of partners or tenants.

3. The applicant will be required to have approximately 30 parking spaces based on the building size. While the agent for the applicant argues that this business will be limited to approximately four patients per hour, the mere fact that nearly ten times that many parking spaces may be required refutes this expectation. A business cannot be expected to operate without maximizing their volume. Again, we anticipate increases in traffic with the future addition of partners, tenants, etc.

Additionally, the inevitable commercial business noises and visual intrusions on peace and privacy will directly impact the rights of neighboring families to the quiet enjoyment of their properties.

 

Rezoning this property from residential to commercial without full analysis of the entire scenario causes much more harm than good. The benefits of waiting to review the results of the Forest Drive traffic study outweigh the costs of proceeding without being fully informed and we respectfully request that you postpone your decision on this matter until that time.

*****

Related Articles and Information:

A very recent tragic example of the impacts the traffic in Forest Acres has had on residents:
http://www.thestate.com/2015/02/28/4017184/81-year-olds-death-after-forest.html

A 2015 article in The State newspaper after a study update by the consultants to the Forest Acres City Council:
http://www.thestate.com/2015/01/28/3956171/update-on-forest-drive-study-yields.html

A 2014 article in The State newspaper outlining the goals of the Traffic Study:
http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/27/3587327/forest-drive-traffic-study-to.html

The original RFQ regarding the Traffic Study from Forest Acres with a description of Forest Acres the City included as the opening to their request:

http://www.forestacres.net/city-issues-rfq-forest-drive-corridor-study

Request for Qualifications

Nestled among old-growth pines and hardwoods, the City of Forest Acres was incorporated in 1935 in part to encourage the residential qualities that will always be cherished as imparting a small town feel in urban surroundings. It's not an exaggeration to think of Forest Acres as a wonderful oasis in an urban sea. With our schools, churches, convenient shopping and ready access to an abundance of cultural events, Forest Acres is where life is at its best. 

The City of Forest Acres invites firms to submit qualifications in the disciplines of transportation engineering, civil engineering, and urban planning and design as such services will apply to a study of the Forest Drive Corridor.  A municipality of 10,500 population, this unique city lies within the Columbia SMSA. Although incorporated in 1935 Forest Acres has preserved much of its residential character and small-town feel.  The blend of beautiful residential neighborhoods, quality schools, and exceptional retail development make it a destination within the region.  Forest Acres' per foot property values often lead the region in comparable sales. However, growth from within and without the city limits is impacting efficient traffic flow, accessibility to the retail development and schools, and is affecting the general quality of life of those living in Forest Acres.

Qualified firms are invited to respond with creativity as to how best to master plan what is in effect, the city's "Main Street". The corridor study should focus on improving traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety and accessibility, and creating aesthetics on Forest Drive that enhance the city's distinctiveness. The goal shall be for plan elements to elevate the quality of life within the city while contributing to sustainability.