Broad and Washington meeting discussed neighborhood issues

Last week we told you about a Hawthorne meeting that would be discussing the latest happenings at Broad and Washington.

While it wasn’t the project update on the Blatstein project or the other potential mixed-use development that we had expected, the meeting still touched on some issues within the community.

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Really, the “update” was to say HEC had received an email of apology from the office of Councilman Kenyatta Johnson because one of its representatives had presented a manner deemed discourteous by neighbors at a previous neighborhood meeting. The rep had been there to discuss a bill that would affect the 4.5-acre vacant lot Blatstein owns and wants to develop.

“We want to be treated with respect,” said one member recalling the rep’s behavior. “Can we request a new representative?” asked one, with another adding, “A new liaison makes sense.”

Ultimately, the frustration came down to being heard with regards to the steps shaping the project. “[We] want to be part of the process since the beginning” … “so that it doesn’t make further progress as it is now.” HEC Recording Secretary Albert Hicks and President-elect Brian Kisielewski reiterated the latter sentiment at the end of the meeting, saying HEC does not support the the current plan as it is now. Concerns include the project’s height, proposed curb cuts, and garage entrances along 13th Street.

With regards not only to Blatstein’s plan, but other changes happening on and around Washington Avenue, a less vocal resident identifying himself only as Kenny said “I’m for development, but not if it’s going to kill the little guy.”