Letter: Crestwood proposal poses concerns

In regard to The Gazette's article of June 23 discussing neighborhood concerns of the proposed Crestwood Ridge Apartments ('Neighbors: Not so fast on housing for homeless.”)

The proposed complex location, which will add significant traffic, would require turning lanes on Edgewood Road, similar to those that exist further north along Edgewood where other apartments are located. Due to the steepness of Edgewood at this location, in the wintertime there is often trouble negotiating turns off or on to Edgewood from Crestwood, the closest side street to the proposed location.

Phoebe Trepp, executive director of Willis Dady, stated the location was 'ideal for low income housing because of its proximity to Jackson Elementary School and grocery shopping ...”. In actuality, the nearest grocery stores are two- to three- miles away. While the proximity to Jackson School is true, the logistics of getting to the school safely would be of major concern. Crestwood is the only access to the school from this location. No sidewalks exist on Crestwood, a narrow street with no curbing. It isn't enough to provide sidewalks only on the proposed property. Sidewalks would need to be built to 38th Street. The complex replaces an existing watershed with a paved parking lot and a 17,500 square foot building. Residents directly south of the proposed complex already are experiencing water problems. The Zoning and Planning Commission denied the zoning change on April 21. Receiving $8 million in federal tax credits for the project doesn't address problems with this location.

Boyd C. Severson

Cedar Rapids