Hello folks, Not to detract from this rousing beat down of council members who did or did not vote for the Iraq resolution, I thought I would direct your attention to a Minneapolis Issue of tragic implications.
Recently, Clare Housing, a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS, purchased the King of Clubs on Central Avenue and Spring Street and the adjacent vacant lot (I believe that is the cross street). The intention of Clare Housing is to build a mixed income living space, with some units designated for low income folks and people living with HIV/AIDS. The building plan includes retail shopping space as well as ample green space, all of which were key pieces to SAE request for proposals. Two weeks ago, in an act of unmitigated bigotry, the Saint Anthony East Neighborhood Association (through the vehicle of its general membership) voted overwhelming to oppose the project. At the meeting (and at a previous meeting), the membership gave reasons ranging from not wanting "faggots" with HIV moving into the neighborhood to concerns about a rise in the amount of trash and parking that this project will certainly produce since there will be some low-income folks moving in. Others were worried about their property values (although they agreed with the project in theory...more of the not in my backyard syndrome). One elderly woman even stood up to say that she would prefer a Wendy's in that space because Wendy's provides "healthy" fast food not available at some other places (such as baked potatos). I am aware that Clare Housing has not been completely shut out. The MCDA and the housing authority will make the final decisions on whether or not to issue the permits allowing Clare Housing to build on the space. But, the vote fell along lines of 82 to 9 against the project. It will take a tough moral and ethical stand from Paul Ostrow to come down against this hate filled act. This entire situation again reminded me that not everyone is welcome in Minneapolis. It is particularly disturbing that this took place in North East Minneapolis, my childhood turf. I hope that Paul Ostrow will use his better judgement and stand up for right instead of the bigotry and hate so gleefully espoused by some of his constiuents. I also encourage the mayor and other Council members who will be part of the decision-making process surrounding the Clare Housing development project to back this well financed, well planned, and much needed development project. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx _______________________________________ 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
