Neighbors Review 1900 Chestnut

Pearl Property's 1900 Chestnut apartment proposal received positive to mixed reaction at a community meeting. While neighbors liked the design, you can guess what received the most criticism: parking and shadows.

The reaction to traffic is of course the canned response to any project. Despite the fact that the neighborhood sits on a dozen parking garages and surface lots and that skyscrapers are the historic testament to dense walkability, "traffic" has become such an ingrained response that those complaining about it have forgotten what they're even asking.

But the more hypocritical complaint, one that is growing as fast as our skyline, is height. The neighborhood is home to other skyscrapers, and those airing their grievances over shadows have been in the shadows of other buildings for a long time. Worse, those who complain about obstructed views are casting their complaints from other highrises, blocking the views of others.

Still, regardless of the standard NIMBYisms at 19th and Chestnut, reaction to the building's design seems mostly positive. And the best part is, parking will be provided by leasing spaces in existing garages. Although requiring parking is still an asinine position, allowing such a tall building to move forward without providing more redundant parking spaces is a baby step in the right direction.