At 12:29 PM 04/08/2002 -0700, Paul Lambie wrote: >As a point of clarification, I do not desire that >control over development lie at the city level. I >would much prefer that control rest with the >landowners, developers, and potential buyers and >renters.
(Lohman) This would be a Pandora's box. If Mr. Lambie is suggesting that we simply do away with all city codes, zoning and incentives for thoughtful development and simply let landowners and developers have a whack at it, well, sounds like the wild west to me. The reality is that the city already controls development in a myriad of ways. And I would point out that "WE" are the government (the city), so it is up to all of us to stand up and say how we want the city developed - which is part of what we do through elections and through neighborhood groups. Paul Lambie wrote: >As wise as councilmembers and neighborhood leaders may >be, I believe that market forces, as conveyed by >potential buyers and renters, will direct landowners >and developers to make decisions that will provide the >greatest benefit to the community. (Lohman) The reality is that we have a housing crisis in the city. Part of it has been brought on by the very "forces" you are talking about. Landowners and developers are looking to make money (and that's a good thing), but it doesn't always serve the greater community. So we as a community step in and provide guidelines and incentives for developers that will help address the needs of the community as a whole (and that's a good thing too). The goal is, as you say, to "provide the greatest benefit to the community" though I imagine that the real issue here is one of balance. How much control should the city have and how much control should landowners and developers have. That's a discussion that's been going on for a very long time and obviously will continue to.... for a very long time. Paul Lohman Lynnhurst Paul Lohman [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________ 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
