Dr. Gisela Veling-Warnke and Dr. Peter Warnke                                                      Newton Centre, November 4th. 2012
27 Ripley Street
Newton, Ma 02459

Tel.; 6179653973
email: velingwarnke@gmail.com


Dear members of the Land Use Committee of the board of Aldermen,


Thank you for giving us the opportunity to express our opinion regarding the  9 RIPLEY LLC petition for special permit/site plan approval.

We have followed the development of the plans for 9 Ripley Street converversion for a total of 4 dwellings very closely. We attended every hearing  in the City Hall and have been to many 9 Ripley Street  privately organized neighborhood meetings. We have seen  the various plans of  the developer for 9 Ripley Street and we know the thoughts of most neighbors who participated in these meetings . We also learned how the system in this city works when you are well connected.

Currently this is a beautiful French style single former coach house, which perfectly fits in the historical grown neighborhood.
The suggested 4 dwelling project will completely disrupt the charming neighborhood due to its sheer size. It will result in an overcrowded lot which stands out and is unique in a negative sense compared to the current building density of this area. Not only the negative transformation of this unique neighborhood will be affected, also the rising  noise level( cars, air conditions etc)will heavily impact the quality of life of us neighbors. The street front design with its integrated garages creates an oppressive building size. The charming coach house will loose its unique character with the current plans.

During the deliberations of the developer the neighbors have been repeatedly threatened that if we as neighbors would not agree to the special permit and work together with the developer, the developer will file a 40 B - application increasing the density even further.In view of this and the somewhat intransient manovering of the developer we fiercely oppose the current plans . Given to the lot size other more fitting uses are available like for example a two unit plan which will not disrupt the historical grown character of this wonderful Newton Centre neighborhood which we have proudly chosen as our home.

Thanks for your attention.

with kind regards

Dr. Gilla Veling-Warnke
Dr. Peter Warnke