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agencies over the years in a multitude of projects and has dealt with comments and objections from the general public and homeowner associations, which conversations, he noted, are often heated and adversarial. He indicated that contrary to that, in this case, he is very pleased and impressed with the support his daughter and her husband have received regarding their effort to remodel and improve their property. He pointed out that there were a couple of letters of concern, but wondered if these respondents have even seen the existing building and the proposed home, and if they even live in this neighborhood. He noted that everyone they have contacted and who have seen the presentation have agreed that the project is a vast improvement over what exists there now. He thanked the PHA and its Board members for their interest and support in this effort, noting that two of them took the time to meet with the applicants at the City offices and to hear and see their presentation. He mentioned that their comments are valuable and they approve of the project with a couple of welcome suggestions. Mr. Hodnefield stated that the applicants have spent a lot of time on research and preparation of the presentation materials and have reached out to the community, particularly those neighbors most affected by the project, and almost everyone enthusiastically has voiced approval. He added that members of the Downtown Improvement Association (DIA) have unanimously approved the project, and as evidenced by the letters, most of the neighborhood have been contacted and have signed letters of support. Mr. Hodnefield stated that this project has been the poster child of efforts to improve the property in the Downtown area, and it is virtually on the threshold of being able to move forward. He indicated that if the Commission can see fit to interpret the criteria in favor of the applicants, they will be able to build their dream house. He added that it would also be greatly appreciated if the project could be classified as a remodel and not a demolition, as there are significant costs and timing implications, and the owners are stretched to their limit in trying to keep this project going. He stated that he hopes the ruling goes in their favor, that this incredibly frustrating experience can be turned into a rewarding experience in building a wonderful home for their family. With respect to the landscaping, Mr. Hodnefield indicated that he believes the landscaping, including a very large tree to the left front of the property, should be retained to the greatest extent possible, and the applicants are not proposing changing any of this. He added that they would like to screen the tree and provide a protective barrier around it, as well as take the vines off the wall and then put them back up when the house is completed, so that from the street, this landscaping would all be preserved. Charles Huff, project architect, stated that ironically, 24 years ago, he was the project architect on this house, from what it was when it was built in approximately 1931 to what it is today, and noted that in time, they did some compromising things to the house and the windows. He indicated that he appreciates the comments in terms of changing some of the windows back to the way they were, double-hung windows, and that this could be within their view scope of the front of the house. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 14, 2011 Page 22 of 28