Terrel Brown wrote: What are those opposing the project proposing for the property? Is it easier to just be against it than propose an alternative?
John Cevette: Neighbors for months have tried to engage Plymouth in a discussion of alternative uses for 1920 LaSalle (Lydia House). We consistently have said we would support affordable housing, 24-day child care which is a critical neighborhood need, church offices which are needed by the Minnesota Church Center, or a host of other important uses. There are many good opportunities for this building that would serve the neighborhood better than hyper-concentrating more supportive housing. We didn't just oppose; we proposed. Plymouth refused to discuss any alternatives to supportive housing, and has admitted the supportive housing use is driven by the availability of federal money to buy and renovate the building, $5.2 million for 40 efficiency units for mentally ill and chemically dependent single men.. The Plymouth Church Neighborhood Foundation response to neighbors is according to one church member to "hire a tough law firm [Faegre & Benson] to whack you guys hard with a counter suit." All Plymouth legal costs are being underwritten by the Housing Alliance Trust. The industry message to neighbors: Don't mess with the way we do business in your neighborhood. We'll crush you. The very model for a neighborhood foundation and a non-profit industry to treat neighbors, don't you think? John Cevette Whittier _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
