We are not a homeowners association, we are a neighborhood association whose goal is protecting and preserving the integrity of our residential area. 

Our association is made up of over fifty concerned residents who live in the area surrounding the east end of Mullan Avenue, from 8th to 15th Street and from the south side of Lakeside Avenue to Mountain Avenue. These boundaries are loose, as we have members who live in adjacent neighborhoods.

We are a group of residents who came together by chance.  In October 2006 we came individually to protest a zone change application for a sixteen story highrise in our residential neighborhood.  The application was for a parcel on Mullan Avenue between 8th and 9th Streets.  Many of us testified at the Planning and Zoning meeting that night and the request was denied, but we were very concerned that other similar requests would be forthcoming. So began our association.

We learned that a portionof our neighborhood had been designated a "transition area" and that an Infill Overlay ordinance had been put in place.  The area affected includes 8th to 11th Streets and Bancroft to Lakeside Avenue. This Infill ordinance replaces (overlays) the existing area zoning (infill).  It changed the zoning in numerous ways including:

• Increased Height in residential zoning
• Decreased Setbacks to zero - new buildings can be builit directly on the property line
• Increased Density - allowing massive multi unit structures next to single family homes

This Infill area was created to increase the density to help revitalize the downtown core.  As residents we were not notified of this zoning change.  The Infill designation is in direct conflict with the Comprehensive Plan the city has in place.  It states that neighborhoods both old and new should be protected.  It also states that new development should be senstive to existing areas.  We believe the Infill designation was unecessary - the downtown is vital and our area is a stable and established residential neighborhood.  There is a limit to how much density this historic area can absorb.

Instead of sensitive redevelopment and revitalization we are seeing an alarming trend of tear downs.  Neighborhood livability is diminished as trees are removed, backyards eliminated, and sunlight is blocked by bulky new structures built right up to or on the property lines.  Economic and social diversity are reduced as costly new high-end condos and town home projects replace more affordable houses.  The ironic and tragic result is that these new complexes wind up ruining the very qualities that made the neighborhood attractive to residents in the first place.

Since October 2006 our group has worked diligently with the city council and planning commission  to make changes to the Infill ordinance.  To date we have been successful and some changes have been made:  the allowed height has been reduced to 35', pitched roofs are now required & the height variance has been eliminated city wide.

We are continuing to work within the city processes to make further changes to the Infill.  Setbacks, design standards, mass and proximity to single family homes are still areas of concern. 

The city has more Infill areas planned.  It is our goal to help the city realize that it must manage change and new construction so that it follows the comprehensive plan and respects the character of the neighborhood instead of ignoring or eroding it.

America's older neighborhoods are important chapters in the story of who we are as a nation and people.  Working together, we can keep that story alive.

Thank You for visiting our website.

Associated Members
East Mullan Historic District Neighborhood Association