I read the June 27 article “Planners OK Hawley Street condo project,” which concerned a small condo project at 111 Hawley St. I was pleased that the design appears sympathetic to the existing neighborhood, that it is only eight housing units, and that there will be more than ample parking for residents and guests of the condos. I particularly noted architect Scott Laidlaw’s comments: “The buildings’ design was inspired by row house located on nearby Eastern Avenue … We used front porches and front stoops … to really retain the idea that this is a residential neighborhood.”

My question is this: why didn’t the Planning Board require the same thoughtful approach when they reviewed (and approved) plans for the horribly oversized apartment building slated for the other end of Hawley Street at the corner of Phillips Place? I know that the lot for this building is much closer to downtown, but it, too, is in a long-established residential neighborhood. It greatly distresses me that the city seems to have applied very different standards to these two projects. While it seems the smaller one will be an asset to the neighborhood, the larger building (without adequate parking, too) will be a detriment to its neighbors.

Barbara Blumenthal

Northampton