Hi Folks: Steve Brandt did an article about the Motel Central Meeting last night. It is on page B2 in the Metro Section. Great article, Steve. The main point: Council Member Herron's position: "I'm not willing to force a hotel on this community. It's not my job". Brian Herron hosted a meeting with the community about the proposed Motel on the north of the Baker Block. Council Member Herron did a stellar job of facilitating the meeting, making sure that people kept on the issues, and that nastyness was kept to a minimum. It was a more civil meeting than I've been to in Central for a long time. Kudos to Council Member Herron for doing this. Council Member Herron also clearly stated that he heard, loud and clear that the neighborhood did not want a Motel on this block, and Herron stated he had talked to developer Sabri about looking at alternative proposals. Candidate Robert Lilligren came to the meeting, and told us how he had talked with both Brian Herron and Basim Sabri about alternative proposals for the land. There were a few rather dramatic moments. At one point Basim Sabri referred to David Piehl as a "pain in the A**", but it's all vigorous disagreement. I was personally disappointed not to have received the same award from Sabri. There was some concern that developers would stay away from this corner because of having to deal with ornery neighbors. However, I think neighbors here are willing to work on having something on the corner that can be a win win situation: profitable for Developer Sabri, shops that would be useful for the neighbors -- a dry cleaners was mentioned, perhaps a coffeeshop, and housing on the upper levels of the building. Folks at the meeting were mentioning the Sears Tower as a good place for a hotel. -------------------------------------- DFL Convention impressions. I dropped by the DFL city convention today as an observer, and got a chance to see David Brauer's amendment to the DFL Constitution pass. From now on, delegates to the City Convention will be chosen in the same year, rather than using the previous years delegates. The vote was close, but it passed. Congratulations to David Brauer and the others who worked hard to get this passed. All three 8th ward candidates - and incumbent Brian Herron were hanging around working the 8th ward delegates. Eva Eva Young Central ----------------------------------------------------- Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/ _______________________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
