VMU: Will it be bad for Allandale

submitted by Kerry Kimbrough

Here are things that neighbors say they dislike about VMU. Do you agree? In the coming Allandale VMU Survey, you can tell us what you think.

• Causes parking overflow into the neighborhood
• In many places, parking is already scarce. VMU will reduce parking even more, and its clientele will have to park in front of our houses.
• Increases rush-hour congestion on main roads
• If VMU reaches maximum density everywhere, it will add 35,000 trips per day. Even a fraction of this will cause Burnet or Anderson to fail.
• Brings people who won't get involved in the community
• Transient renters without close ties to the neighborhood will weaken the community spirit that we value.
• Intrudes on the privacy of nearby homes
• VMU will build to the maximum height and new residents will loom over adjacent back yards during non-work hours.
• Increases traffic spillover onto neighborhood streets

• To avoid the congestion from VMU, more drivers will cut through the neighborhood, putting kids and walkers at greater risk.
• Adds unwelcome activity and noise for nearby homes
• By concentrating residents and the shops that serve them, VMU will create noise and activity during times that used to be peaceful.
• Encourages erosion of SF zoning
• VMU will make the lots next door less desirable for single families, encouraging developers to push for rezoning.
• Causes failures in water and sewer service
• Our service infrastructure was not designed for this extra density. For each project, the city must rely on developers to provide necessary upgrades.
• Drives out existing businesses that I like
• Some can't afford the higher rents that VMU will bring. Others will be threatened by higher taxes on rising valuations.