Community Meeting Sees Big Turnout before Council Vote on 10/27/06
Last night, Monday September 25th, a community meeting was hosted by Twanda Carlisle, councilwoman for our district. The meeting was about the rezoning controversy that many in the community have been following for the last year.
We had *tremendous* turnout! The Gemini Theater was packed, leaving standing room only for the latecomers.
The developers, Pat Ford from City Planning, and several City Council members were present, including Twanda Carlisle, Bill Peduto, Doug Shields, Tonya Payne, and Jeffrey Koch. Also in attendance were representatives from several other community groups and organizations, all of whom supported the community’s position in opposing the rezoning that is before council.
Community members spoke clearly, emphatically, and rationally. Everyone should feel proud at the active involvement of so many. It speaks well of everyone’s dedication to where we live. Great job everyone!
Most interestingly, new facts were uncovered last night. A representative from the owners of the former Exxon station was present, and spoke. He spoke in favor of the Walgreens plan, presumably as that particular buyer offered the most money to his company for the lot. However, he also stated that there were *many* more buyers interested in the site. As we always suspected, the site is indeed valuable and sought after. We can now answer with confidence and from a position of empowerment, when City Council asks us to consider the problems of developing such a lot. As the lot owner’s rep explained, there are many others just waiting for the opportunity to develop the site that we can work with.
Tomorrow is the vote on the rezoning. It cannot be put off any more, as the legal deadline has arrived. Please come to the vote at tomorrow, Wednesday September 27, at 10:00am, on the 5th floor of the city-county building on Grant Street, downtown.