Zoning File 24-31, “Polk Street Residences” is the request for a 275 unit multi-family development. This project aims to sit downtown on over 3 acres, at Polk and Greenville. Presently, Staycation Coffee operates on the northwest corner of this site.
We met with the developers for this project and shared with them our concerns and feedback we have received from our neighbors. We shared concerns about:
-the removal of Staycation Coffee
-the single use apartment complex does nothing to engage downtown or our neighborhood.
-walkability/bike-ability: they will be adding large sidewalks with trees and bike racks. This is great! But with no retail on their first floor, where are people walking and biking to?
-the removal of numerous public parking spots. There will be parking along the complex, parallel to the building, but residence can park in them as well. Where will people park when driving to Del's, Partenope, and hopefully the sight of the future Nest complex?
-the small units are not geared for families. RISD closed 4 elementary schools last year. This complex is less than a mile from two RISD elementary schools. This complex is not inviting for families moving into RISD.
After hearing all of our feedback, they will consider making the on street parking for the public only (example: 2hr limit spots). However, RPD does not do parking enforcement therefor, this is not a true concession. One of the two developers kindly expressed that they do not plan to make any changes (other than the possible parking spots) to the current plan.
With this in mind, if we want to see any changes to this plan, we must ask Council to deny this project. The Council meeting is set for February 10th at 6pm.
For more information, please join us this Saturday February 8th, at 1:30pm, at the Canutson’s home! We will be discussing this project in more detail, along with the city’s vision for downtown Richardson. We hope to see you there!
***We also spoke with the owner of Staycation. She is ready to move on from this and is happy with the forward movement to her new location which will be on the west side of Central Expressway at 707 S. Floyd Rd. She asked us to convey her gratitude to our neighbors who have supported her so well through this, and over the past several years. If you’d like to show Staycation support, you can follow along with Zoning File 25-02. This case will go before the City Plan Commission this evening at 7pm. Please stand with Staycation’s chosen path forward.***
