The argument of whether the DTC apartments should be built continued on June 18, with many residents from the surrounding apartments and neighborhoods showing up to the council meeting. The site is located at 5455 S. Valentia Way and the plans of construction at the site sparked discontent with the city council and with the neighboring population during previous city council meetings. One problem that concerned the neighboring apartment complex is that the DTC Apartments would obstruct the view of their residents. Another concern was that the neighboring complex’s view would also be hurt as residents would be able to see the newly constructed DTC apartments, which concerned the apartment residents and the Planning and Zoning commision. The Council was also concerned with the length of Building E and with the amount of green space on the apartment complex. Along with all the concerns about the appearance of the apartments, there were also worries about the amount of parking space and how the DTC apartments would not hinder the ability of the residents from the other apartments to reach places such as the Orchard Light Rail Station.
The applicants for the DTC apartment complex, made many changes to accomodate the demands of the city council. They made Building E shorter, along with cutting a story off the building so the neighbor’s views would not be obstructed. The applicants also planted a row of trees to hide the view of their apartment from the neighboring apartment. The amount of green space was increased generously, far exceeding the demands of the zoning laws. Parking space was also increased along with a path that was made through the DTC apartment complex, allowing neighboring residents to travel throught the DTC apartment complex to reach their destinations without having to walk around the entire complex.
The city council voted unanimously for the applicants, allowing the DTC apartments to be constructed. While some residents were still worried about the high density of residents in the apartment complex, most were satisfied by the applicant’s adjustments. I agree with the council’s decision as the applicant went far beyond the demands of the Planning and Zoning commission, and the local community will benefit from the construction of the DTC Apartments.