A Right to A View? Foss Height Amendments
The public meetings and presentations regarding the proposed height amendments for development along the Thea Foss have begun and… will we ever reach a happy place? Peter Callaghan’s column argues that the changes are a bad choice for several reasons including:
Tacoma shouldn’t sell its birthright – views of the mountain and the water – to the highest bidder. These views won’t disappear following construction. They will only be transferred to those who can afford to live in taxpayer-subsidized condos that are well out of reach for the average resident.
Is there a right to a view? In my mind, unless you’re in a boat, you should never assume a water view. Of course, this doesn’t mean the change is lawful or acceptable to the city and its residents. It also doesn’t mean this is the right choice for the long term vision of the city. It may be to many of you, but it may not be. With the right voice, anything can happen.
Do you want to join the conversation?
Photo by Kevin Freitas.
The next Public Meeting is scheduled for April 18th.
Link to The News Tribune
Previously on Exit133
Filed under: Waterfront, Developments, Foss Waterway, Foss Waterfront
9 comments
I intacoma August 25, 2008
didn’t 21 commerce take it over?
A AngelaJossy August 25, 2008
I would love to see a club similar to the Showbox in that space.
S Sassy McButterpants August 25, 2008
There was a time (2002) when Sassy was to be found dancing with army guys and dodging drunk fellows on her way to dance on the cube at the loft…ah youth….It’s time has come, but I’ll never forget.
T Thorax O'Tool August 25, 2008
Only once went there… I just wasn’t ever impressed by what they had to offer.
A A-Dub August 25, 2008
Buyng the Loft at it’s peak and then having to close it a few years later.
Ouch!
E Erik S August 26, 2008
I’ll second the motion at #2. The key to the success of such a club would of course be in the booking, not the design or the space, parking requirements, or any other such thing. That may be too high of a hurdle at this point, but I’d love to see a place like that open and succeed.
I went to the Loft once with a group of friends and had a very nice time in spite of the place, which seemed like on big date rape in progress. Still, lots of folks seemed to enjoy it so I suppose I’m sorry to hear of the closure.
B broadweezy August 26, 2008
The place could attract quite a crowd, it seemed like it was the only place downtown that finally attracted a hot dog cart. If the hot-dog cart guy is smart he’ll move onto Cans.
C CA August 26, 2008
Actually the hotdog guy is already at Cans. Im kinda sad to see The Loft close its doors. There was a time, many years ago, when The Loft was a classy place with a classy crowd just looking to have a fun night. I remember going to El Gaucho and drinking Stella Artois and smoking cigars in the cigar lounge(when that was still legal) and then walking over to The Loft for some bump and grind on the dance floor. It was always a fun night.
No more cigars at the Gauch, and no more bustin-a-move at The Loft. Sad day.
A altered chords August 27, 2008
Does 21 Commerce still exist or did that bite the proverbial dust along w/ the Loft?