Marilyn Solar describes Fontaine board's relief and path to agreement
Marilyn Solar, managing agent and board member of the Fontaine, describes the six-story 155-unit co-op, weekly negotiations with the applicant, and resident relief at a revised design; she says both sides are committed to a written agreement before the council vote.
Good morning.
My name is Marilyn Solar.
I'm the managing agent, member of board of the directors, and originally the sponsor of the Fontaine Department Owners Corp.
The Fontaine is a six-story residential building with 155 units, originally built in the 50s as a rental property and converted to co-op in the 80s.
Our building is adjacent to and directly behind the proposed project site.
Many of our residents, by the way, some of whom are here today, are long-time shareholders with families and or rent-stabilized stakeholders.
The applicant reached out to us over the summer, and recently we've been meeting with them weekly and engaging in direct conversation.
on how this project can move forward in a way that's acceptable to both parties.
About two weeks ago, the applicant proposed to us a design revision to potentially soften the overwhelming
and isolating aspect of their original plan, which when completed will be rather monolithic and run an entire city block long.
We reviewed the applicant's revisions at the town hall meeting for residents last Monday, and I'm delighted to say that the plan was met for the most part with relief.
But more than that, it is potentially an attractive, livable, breathable compromise
that the board is comfortable with, and that with the proper aesthetics could be a win-win for our block and for the surrounding neighborhood.
We are relieved, as I said.
And also grateful to everyone who worked to bring this about.
We met with the applicant again last week, and we're finally able to turn to the many logistical details that go along with such a large construction project.
Whoops.
We're working as quickly as we can, and both sides are committed to reducing this agreement to writing before the city council vote so that the project can move forward.
Based on the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that has developed over these past several weeks of working together with the applicant, we're hopeful and expect that these remaining items
will resolve themselves in a way that is comfortable for both sides.
And having nothing to do with this, thank you very much for making us aware of the fast track and the disenfranchisement of your council.
Thank you.
I'm glad to know that.
Thank you so much.