To update you all on what I experienced at the CNIA Business Development meeting held at Urban Ventures this evening-- (Let me pause for breath...) Basim Sabri, who owns several lots on the block in question, and a representative from AmericInn Motel gave a brief presentation about the proposal for a 67 room motel to be located along the west side of the alley between 2nd and 3rd Avenues on the 3000 Block (just south of Lake Street along 35W). The request was for a vote by which CNIA would recommend a zoning change to allow such a motel on this block (which has been through the zoning process in recent history). As I arrived, the brief (5+ minutes) presentation by Mr. Sabri and the AmericInn representative was just ending. It was announced that anyone who had already decided how to vote could do so now, and then there would be a few questions following that first wave of voting. Many people filed by me, dropping completed yes/no ballots in a box without any discussion or inquiry or community input. In the past, CNIA committees have worked hard to build consensus or at least make sure residents & individual's opinions are heard. This immediate vote made it clear that consensus, or even agreement to disagree was not a goal this afternoon. After a few questions, the chair indicated a limited number of questions would be allowed before a second call to vote. Councilmember Herron stood to suggest more question and answer time than the chair had allowed, as a way for some of those who might be swayed to hear from developers and residents alike. Residents were not given opportunity to state positions. Developers were asked some questions, but certainly it was not an exhaustive exploration of the issues at hand. The chairman of the committee and current CNIA board president, Zack Metoyer, held fast to the process of Robert's Rules of Order, at one point even directing that all questions should be asked of him, not the developers or residents. I experienced it as preventing dialogue. He changed his instructions and rules several times during the meeting. He was also challenged several times by multiple people about the legalistic nature of this meeting which seemed out of keeping with the spirit of community input. Councilmember Herron asked for a point of personal privilege and was told by the chair that he was out of order. It was quite a sad moment in CNIA's committee process. To Mr. Basim Sabri's credit, he agreed to Councilmember Herron's offer to put together a less formal community meeting with residents at a later time and date. I await Councilmember Herron's invitation to participate in such a round-table meeting. Though I left early (without voting as I felt I had not had questions answered nor heard from those involved and affected most), I understand that a vote was taken, and assume the committee will recommend a zoning change based upon the statements made by several committee members and the large number of people who did not stay to discuss or even hear discussion. ***My difficulties lie primarily in this absurd process.*** -CNIA is supposed to represent the community, and yet it did not facilitate community conversation before the first invitation to vote. -It did nothing to build consensus. -It did not entertain any alternative uses for the property which would utilize the current zoning restrictions as requested and suggested by neighbors with homes on the Baker block. -The CNIA committee did not invite city-level input about traffic patterns, crime, economic benefits, tax base, or Lake Street development plans. There was no update about the 35W ramp discussion happening on the city/county level. This appears to me to be an insulated, hasty, uninformed vote about an extremely important matter. We as a community need to know the potential benefits and detriments to any economic development. And we need to believe in the process, even when we don't always get our own favorite ideas adopted. Those of you who have relationships with CNIA, I want you to know I was disappointed by this process and by the presider, neither of which honored or respected the residents and friends of Central. -- Kim ____________________________________________________________ Kimberly Goodman 37th & Park Avenue ____________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
