Quote:
Originally Posted by UPChicago
Even though I personally think it was done to subvert preservationists, lets just say for a moment the contractor made a mistake, should he still be subject jail time and a $750k fine. What if someone who wasn't wealth had done this, should they face the prospect of bankruptcy? If the developer had went through the proper channels, he probably would have gotten the permit anyways albeit with neighborhood/preservationists opposition.
I just don't agree with extreme/unfair penalties. The city already imposes an egregious amount of penalties and fines on everyday people. I just can't get behind that.
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I am certainly no freemarketeer, by this groups standards, I am the prince of the NIMBYs.
I am also a staunch preservationist
Largely, I agree.
While it was the principal structure, it was a 750 sqft one story frame structure. with no basement and possibly no foundation.
It was not protected by landmarking, as such it was just an old building.
I disagree, however, that it was done to thwart the preservationists. Having not been landmarked or orange rated, they held no sway over the parcel, and the developers new permit for a frame and masonry 2 story structure, on the surface, seems no different from his original plan for additions, save the existence of the old cottage.
As such, I feel the $7500 fine is a reasonable one.
Now, for the guy whom, upon finishing a 5 story structure decided that he could make more money if, contrary to plans and zoning, he added a sixth floor....
My opinion is that any fine. less than the cost of removing the extra floor, is too small.