HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0977.027 2010-2012October 20, 2010
Subject: Resolution 405 -10 Exemption of Certain Code Requirements for
Kamakana Villages at Keahuolu
Support for Affordable Housing
Aloha,
Many of you know me, Alex Woodbury, President /Owner of Woodbury Green
Building Consultation. Although I write this on my own behalf, I am an active
community member, serving as a Habitat for Humanity Board member, and a
commissioner on the Mayor's Energy Advisory commission.
I'm also a US Green Building Council Member, a LEED Accredited Professional, and
the only LEED for Homes Green Rater in Hawaii County..
Forest City Hawaii has a plan before you for Kamakana Villages at Keahuolu.
I support bringing a cutting -edge, sustainable affordable mixed -use community here
to Kona. The broad vision of an affordable community knitted together by design
where residents of all income levels have the opportunity to interact with each other
has the potential to become a model development.
I have had the pleasure of seeing Forest City's award - winning Stapleton, Colorado
project( the redevelopment of the old Denver Airport into a master planned
community). It is a model of green development. I am very excited finally see a
properly master planned community in West Hawaii and be a part of building a green
affordable housing community here. Innovations in sustainable building require
departure from the methods of the past. The County should not assume that Forest
City is intent on circumventing current requirements for the sake of cost cutting or
other such agendas as has been incorrectly portrayed in recent media inaccuracies,
but rather, understand that in order to deliver a community that is resident friendly
and environmentally cutting edge, some of the past excesses must be culled in order
to provide for limited sprawl, ease of walk ability, limited resource consumption and
increased quality of life.
My family has watched Kona grow, change, and sprawl, every neighborhood I've
lived in, the neighborhood my parents now live in, the neighborhood, I grew up in,
they all require a car to travel to basic services 2 miles, 6 miles, 10 miles etc. This
planned community intends to put houses, schools, parks, basic services ( banks,
small groceries, places of worship, shops, restaurants etc.) all within reach, walking
distance, and most importantly in doing so, they will place jobs in these locations,
and in the process improve the quality of life.
For example, the project block sizes, lot size, shape and setback lines are requested
for smart growth and New Urbanist best practices and will assist with development of
affordable housing and design per the Kona CDP. 977 27
Comm. No.,
Ref. To Preset C. ome- /
Ref. Date OCT 2'0 2010
Smaller blocks are preferred to create a more pedestrian friendly neighborhood
environment in keeping with the goals of the Kona CDP. Flexibility in Hawaii County
Code is required in the master planning of Kamakana Villages to achieve this goal.
I ask you to reach beyond what has been the norm in the past and trust these smart
growth and New Urbanist best practices proposed before you today.
Far too long have I watched the quality of life decline in my home town. I have faith
in Forest City, and have seen their other projects, (award winning) excel at improving
the quality of life through smart urban development.
Mahalo,
A lec. W ood.v -wry