Speaking as a registered opponent, Guerra argued that the retail component of Alton Skyway was an afterthought and may not be developed in the future; thus, the project wouldn’t be considered mixed-use and isn’t compatible with the district plan.
“We see the DRC as the gatekeeper of project approval,” Guerra said. “In light of all applicable criteria, we disagree with the applicant’s counsel about the applicability of the Skyway Marina plan. We do think it’s applicable. It wouldn’t have been adopted by the city council and wouldn’t have been followed by all other developers of market-rate multifamily.”
He also stated the team did not truly reach out to stakeholders and how his project, Sky Town, complies with the plan, and continuously engaged and worked with community members, ultimately adding more retail to Sky Town.
“As the owner of the largest property in the Skyway Marina District, we’ve had no meaningful dialogue [with Kolter],” Guerra said.
Prominent local developer Jack Dougherty of Allied Group Holdings, who led the development of the Marina Walk Apartment Homes and other projects, was also in opposition, but was not physically present at the time of the discussion.