COM 0953.006 2004-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 16, 2006 Honorable K. Angel Pilago, Chair Council Planning Committee COUNTY OF HAWAI'I 25 Aupuni Street Hilo, Hawaii 96720 RE: Bill No. 305, Rezoning Request - Ivan Mochida TMK: 2-2-36: 60, 102 and 103 Dear Chair Pilago and members of the Committee: My family and I own properties in the Waiakea Houselots area. One of these is along Kalanikoa and Leilani Streets, within a block of Mr. Mochida's proposed townhouse project. Given its proximity to our properties and as active members of our community, we do have an understandable interest in the outcome of this project. There is an extreme shortage of affordable homes. Projects like this help provide alternative forms of housing. Many can no longer live the traditional American dream of a single-family residence on a large lot; but we can still help them fulfill the dream of a home through the creation of smaller lots, condos, townhouses. These types of homes all provide needed housing alternatives and help strengthen the social fabric of our overall community. The Waiakea Houselots area is a good location for such a mixture of homes. At one point in time, this used to be a vibrant community. However, as families grew older, many have moved out of this area and chose to either sell or rent their homes. Today, while there are still homeowners, there are many rentals and increasing commercial and industrial uses. These changes, if planned well, should help make the Houselots area more of a cohesive community where people can work and live. One of the things I would like to see is more home ownership in this area. Projects like this help achieve that vision. Home ownership creates a greater sense of belonging and breeds a sense of caring. This is what we need to help make this area function more of as a community. At the same time, certain basic infrastructure should be addressed. In this case, the applicants will be required to construct sidewalks fronting the property. That is good, as it will make walking a bit safer. Others may say - well, the entire street should have sidewalks. Yes, it should, ~ aj i4 ! sn fair to make that the sole responsibility of this applicant. For the most part, most property owners don't want to pay for that cost fronting their properties for the community good. I think they are doing their share and more. And maybe we should step up and do our part too, for with or without this project, the condition will still remain the same. Comm. No. 61.,_ Ref. 7o-Pre R,J Vote OCT 18 205