One more time...

AAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Sean and I went to yet ANOTHER BZA meeting on Feb 13th. If there is anyone out there that is smarter or more informed than I am, please come forth. I need you.

Mr. (perhaps reverend) Allen, who I believe is the vice-chair of the board, has informed us that the BZA is a group of volunteer do gooding citizens that are not required to be there in the first place, so we should stop bothering them with our complaining.

So smartypantses.... who the hell are these people and do they have actual authority? Are these benevolent protectors of code either liable or responsible for maintaining the architectural integrity of the city? If not, what the hell are we asking them for?

I actually sat there and watched the BZA deny permission to a man from Audubon Place to build an outdoor bathroom / pool cabaña in his back yard, which is protected by a 12-foot concrete fence on all sides. The potential builder brought his architect to explain the effective drainage system she had designed to prevent intrusive runoff. The board agreed with the applicant’s complaining neighbor that the proposed structure did not meet variance requirements, and would likely ruin the neighborhood vistas, and create an unsightly and cluttered back yard. There goes the neighborhood.

When it was our turn, we were treated as disrespectable complainers who were standing in the way of progress. We were warned (with forceful voice) not to claim that she is receiving favoritism from the board. We were told that the board is tired of our complaining.

Most importantly, and for the 4th time, there were not enough “volunteer” members present to form a quorum of any sort. So, we must go again…. in another 30 days, back to the angry scowls of the BZA and the ornery grin of Lisa Mazique.

I will post the time and date when I receive the notice. I will ask anyone who as the time or energy to show up in our support.

In the mean time, does anyone have any information regarding the BZA and how it is formed? What qualifies a person to volunteer on the BZA? Who are these people?