The creation and adoption of The Minneapolis Plan (TMP) and the 2000 Zoning Code were accomplished with citizen input, public hearings in the neighborhoods and a newsletter from the Planning Department. At a minimum this process should be used for the contemplated revisions of TMP and the Zoning Code.
In the past, the comprehensive plan was created and then the zoning was changed to conform to the comprehensive plan. Now it appears that TMP is being changed to conform to recently proposed zoning text amendments. These proposed revisions change the goal of accepting our fair share of subsidized housing to one of accepting more than our fair share. The proposed revisions would increase density and decrease lot side and setback requirements. The Minneapolis City Planning Department Report Comprehensive Plan Amendments states: "The proposed changes have been developed in consultation with an interdepartmental work team that included staff from the MCDA, NRP, MPHA, Housing Inspections, and Plan Review. The Shelter Advisory Board received additional feedback." There is something wrong with this picture. Where is the citizen input? The Planning Commission should postpone its recommendations on revisions of TMP and the Zoning Code until there is adequate notification, and publicity and city wide hearings at times and in places that make citizen participation possible. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@;mnforum.org Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
