Many consider the Avenues to be one of the most livable neighborhoods in Utah. The historic character and friendly atmosphere have attracted a diverse population. Another unique characteristic of the Avenues is the often long and very narrow lots. These small, narrow lots present many challenges and potential rewards for all Avenues residents.

New residents are often surprised at how these narrow lots and the close proximity of their neighbors' houses can affect their privacy. Longtime residents, many who have lived here for decades, cherish the close relationships that develop out of the frequent interactions "imposed" by this proximity and the life-long commitment many have made to this area. The Avenues is truly a wonderful community.

We are very concerned that several of the new homes and garages being built in the Avenues are having a direct and potentially devastating impact on the very characteristics that have drawn so many of us to make such significant commitments to our neighborhood.

Recently, rising real estate values and long commutes from areas far from the heart of Salt Lake City have begun to exert new pressures on the Avenues. Residents often struggle when deciding how to best meet the needs of their families in homes that were not built to accommodate large families, homes that were built on lots that often leave few options. Some who have recently purchased property in the area feel compelled to maximize their "investment" by squeezing every possible square foot of building on to their postage stamp-size lots. Some simply want what they have always had but they are trying to impose their desires on an area with very different characteristics and challenges than the "developments" they left behind.

Presently, there is strong and growing support in the Avenues for preservation of the historic value and character of the area. On July 14, the City Council voted unanimously (7-0) to deny a prominent Salt Lake family's request to remove the historic status and protection that was impeding the sale of their home to a buyer wishing to make extensive changes. The desire to preserve the character of historic communities was also in evidence at the July 12 City Council meeting where approximately 55 members of the community urged the council to adopt stricter zoning rules in the Yalecrest area.

Our concern with many of these projects is not that things are changing. Everyone in the area can appreciate the need to update houses that are often 100 years old. Our concerns can be categorized as: (1) the immediate and significant impact these houses and garages are having on the neighbors who will be forced to live in their shadows; (2) how many of these projects exploit the limits and strain the spirit of numerous outdated zoning regulations; and (3) the precedent these houses and garages set for an area where buildings of this size are simply nonexistent.