This morning the AJC reports on the controversy surrounding the 315 W. Ponce development, offering a couple new insights and a few nice pics.

One tidbit I hadn’t heard previously was that “Rents will average $1,450 per month” according to JLB.

Also, since the plans were presented last week, I haven’t heard a peep out of the neighborhood in favor or in opposition of what was shown. But the writer of this article states “Most residents who viewed the company’s plans said they liked the design and layout but remain opposed to the project’s size.”

So if the neighborhood likes the design and is cool with the graduated setback, has this boiled down to a parking lot/traffic issue? Because if the city and “parking experts” say that shared parking can work, I would much rather see that than more barren parking decks. And in regards to traffic, its this study, produced by the neighborhood, that has everyone in a panic about increased traffic. But I’m unclear who developed it and what data was used in its calculations. Personally, I would want to see a city-produced traffic study before making bold claims about gridlock in the neighborhood.

And am I the only one that is concerned about how this development will look in relation to the one existing building it will share the lot with? A bunch of 4-story brick structures are going to look awfully strange up against a 10-story international-style high rise without some very creative design. Also, how will the development along the small strip fronting Ponce relate to the massive tower behind it?

These issues have been completely overlooked (in the public discussion at least) as this process has moved forward.

(photo courtesy of AJC)