9-Story Condo Tower May Not Be Coming To Downtown C'ville?

On Monday there was an article in "The Daily Progress", called "Tower plan could alter downtown", read more:

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352355350

A developer from Richmond was trying to get permission from the Charlottesville Planning Commission to build a 9-story buidling with condominiums and retail units, at the corner of McIntire Road and W. Main Street downtown.

This proposed building would have been a massive improvement over the current building, RSC Equipment Rental. I see no reason why the height of the building should be a problem. The Lewis and Clark building downtown is also a tall building. It would improve this prime corner.

However, in this morning's "Daily Progress" there was another article, "Panel pans tower plan":

http://www.dailyprogress.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=CDP/MGArticle/CDP_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1173352379782

The Planning commission voted against it 4-2 because Charlottesville isn't getting enough in return. They want the developer to make a larger contribution to affordable housing in the city.

Hopefully both sides can find a way to make it work. But for now the city says no.

Do you think the city should have turned them down? Please post a comment. Thanks!

Karen
www.move2va.com