Dear Highland Park List Serv, I wanted to make you aware of a zoning hearing on Negley Avenue. The owners of 226 N Negley Avenue have requested a 'change in use' variance for the former Hollisters Garage at 226 N Negley from its current use as a garage into a convenience store. The current use of the site is RM - M, which stands for Residential, Multi-Unit, Moderate Density, meaning low-rise apartments with ample setbacks for green-space and trees. The proposed use is to 'retail sales and service with 6 parking spots,' which is a convenience store. We're all aware of the problems at the Sunoco convenience store in the 200 block of Negley Avenue. I believe that this property could foster similar problems, serving as a magnet for crime and disorder on Negley Avenue. We've made a great deal of progress quieting down this part of our neighborhood. The construction of the handsome apartments at the corner of Negley and Penn, and ELDI's investments in apartments along the 300 block of Negley, have contributed to a drop in crime and an increase in investment in and around this section of the neighborhood. We've seen investments in new market-rate apartment units, condos, and single family homes spring up close by. 226 N Negley's conversion into a convenience store could represent a significant setback to those efforts, especially if it witnesses similar problems to those that have occurred at the Sunoco across the street. Darren Belajac from East Liberty Development (ELDI) will be representing ELDI at the zoning hearing. - If you are able to attend the zoning hearing, we would appreciate your support. Your presence is by far the most effective means to representing your opinion. - If you are not able to attend, but would want to submit a letter representing your opinion to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, please feel free to send your letters to Darren Belajac, who will present your letters to the Zoning Board on your behalf. East Liberty Development's address is: East Liberty Development c/o Darren Belajac 6101 Penn Avenue, Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Thank you for your help. Best, Eric -- *Eric Jester, PMP, LEED AP* Project Manager East Liberty Development, Inc. 6101 Penn Avenue, Suite 201 Pittsburgh, PA 15206 P: 412-361-8061 x17 F: 412-362-3231