Dear Editor,
Re: “Developer eyes luxury condos in Richmond...for cars,” News, Sept. 20.
City spokesman Ted Townsend suggested that the Trove “condos for cars” should not have an issue with approval by the city because “commercial storage” is a permitted use. However, this isn’t just a luxury parking lot.
Trove is being advertised as a “development,” not a storage facility. With prices starting at $600,000, it’s a high-priced development, costing more than many condos (and even some townhomes) in the city.
The concept described by the developer includes Italian furnishings, wine storage, a sports memorabilia showroom, entertainment space and a personal art gallery. Let’s call a spade a spade. This is a hangout spot for car lovers, where they can lounge, drink beer, party with friends and watch sports, all while showing off their luxury vehicles to their guests.
If a regular storage facility wanted to open on industrial land and each locker included a mini-bar, couches for lounging and napping as well as a big screen TV, would the city approve the permit for “commercial storage”? If the answer is ‘no,’ should that not also apply to this new “development”?
Michael Seidelman
Richmond
