1 Raybould, Claire
To: Bhavani Potharaju
Subject: RE: Construction Concerns for 2451 Cowper Sreet
From: John XJ Zhang <[email protected]>
Sent: 15 July 2025 21:08
To: Bhavani Potharaju <bpotharaju@m‐group.us>
Cc: John XJ Zhang <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Construction Concerns for 2451 Cowper Sreet
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Dear Bhavani,
Thank you for your message.
I respect the owner’s right to develop their property and the city’s approval process. My primary concern centers around the timing of the construction start. Scientific studies emphasize that the first 6 months after birth are particularly critical for an infant’s neurological and sensory development, especially in ensuring a
quiet and stable environment for sleep, bonding, and growth. Given that we are expecting a newborn in September, I respectfully request that the project begin no earlier than March 2026 to support our child’s early development.
Additionally, we currently have two other young children at home, one is 3 years old and the other just over 1
year old. Their daytime rest periods are already easily disrupted, and prolonged construction noise could significantly impact their health and well‐being. When the work commences, I kindly request that construction hours be limited to mid‐day (e.g., 10 AM–3 PM) with noon breaks to accommodate their nap schedules.
I sincerely appreciate the owner’s willingness to be considerate and to limit activity near the rear fence.
Lastly, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly. Would Wednesday, July 16 at 9:00 AM work for a
brief zoom call?
Best wishes,
John X.J. Zhang
From: Bhavani Potharaju <bpotharaju@m‐group.us>
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2:28 AM
2 To: John XJ Zhang <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: Construction Concerns for 2451 Cowper Sreet
Hi John,
The architect let the owner know and looks like they have responded to your concerns. The project will start October or later depending on the building permit process time. Please let me know if the owner’s email addresses your concern or if you would like to set up a
call to discuss with me. I am available the next three days 9‐11am. (Appeal period ends on 7/17/2025)
Thanks & Regards,
BHAVANI POTHARAJU
Associate Planner
408.340.5642 x126 c 408.819.0452
Timings: Mon- Fri, 7-10am PST
a new design on urban planning
m-group.us | M-LAB
From: John XJ Zhang <[email protected]>
Sent: 07 July 2025 20:51
To: Bhavani Potharaju <bpotharaju@m‐group.us>
Subject: FW: Construction Concerns for 2451 Cowper Sreet
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you know the content is safe. Be aware that the sending address can be faked or manipulated.
Hi Bhavani, FYI.
From: Zhenshu Zhao <[email protected]>
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 4:55 AM
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Construction Concerns for 2451 Cowper Sreet
Hi John,
My name is Zhenshu Zhao, and I'm the owner of 2451 Cowper Street. Thanks so much for reaching out and letting me know—congratulations on the upcoming arrival of your baby! I completely understand how important a calm environment is during that time. I want to reassure you that our project is still in the early stages of the approval process, and even the earliest possible start date for construction would be mid‐October to early Nov. So there won’t be any construction activity around September when your baby arrives.
Once construction does begin, I’ll make sure the team is mindful of noise and will also speak with the architect and contractor about limiting activity near the rear fence as much as possible.
3 Really appreciate your communication, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns along the way. I’ll do my best to make this process as smooth as possible for everyone.
Warmly,
Zhenshu