Neighbor writes to Hood about new locker facilities

Tim, one of the Hood neighbors, recently wrote to Hood College regarding the proposed locker facilities to be located near Magnolia and Atlantic Avenues:

Mr. Richard A. Kahley 

Director of Facilities Planning and Special Projects 

Hood College 

401 Rosemont Avenue 

Frederick, MD 21701

Dear Mr. Kahley,

I am writing to request further consideration on the part of the College and its design team that the proposed locker facilities be re-situated on the site to retain the trees along the entry drive off of Magnolia Avenue. Though not the primary entrance to the College, its formal presence is an asset to the neighborhood and implies a sense of deference from the College to its neighbors. As a neighbor and an architect, I believe that the removal of the one row of trees to make way for a utilitarian structure significantly alters the entry in a negative way and implies a lack of consideration. Upon walking the site and viewing City’s Spires GIS Map (with aerial photo), the general area of the building appears to be within a triangulated “dead zone” not part of a standard playing field – an area which appears to be large enough to allow for an adjustment to the building’s location and/or configuration. If this is indeed the case, I would request that the design be reconsidered in the interest of retaining the presence of the existing entry drive. In addition, I would also ask that the design team consider use of brick or some other siding material other than board and batten siding for the portion of the proposed building that abuts Magnolia Avenue. Such a revision would be more complementary to the residential buildings on the street and would be a positive gesture to the neighborhood.

And finally, I would be remiss if I did not express my continued concern regarding the existing and future parking lot lights. We have not noticed any adjustments / improvements to the temporary lighting since meeting with you in November, and would like to inquire as to the status of the changes that we were told to expect. Regarding lighting for the future parking lot, I continue to request that the globe-style lights specified be equipped with reflectors or other devices for minimizing the “light-house” effect and the upward light pollution of that area of campus. Though I realize they are not required per your Site Plan approval, I believe they represent a simple solution to concerns raised by a member of the community and would demonstrate the College’s professed desire to be a good neighbor.

I appreciate the time and effort that you have spent working with the community as a representative of the College and hope that my comments/requests will be received with serious consideration.

Sincerely,

Tim Daniel, AIA