I wish all to be aware of an important public forum regarding the West Broadway Repaving District that I heard announced on KMOJ Radio by our State Legislator, attorney Keith Ellison.
THIS Thursday 6: PM, 2/5/04, at the new Urban League Center, Plymouth and Penn. He will host his Environmental Justice Forum, with many guests who are involved in the West Broadway effort. Maps, charts, engineers, and our local political leaders will be present. The idea, from what I heard on the air, is to offer residents information about this matter. Then to involve them in decisions about the outcome of this project. Many people, including myself, have been attending meetings, and presentations for up to 4 or 5 years already, on this matter. We have reviewed Plans "A through J(?)" for roadway design, and even attended lectures on Mpls. Zoning Code preceding the complete rezoning of West Broadway Avenue by the City. The last WBBA meeting I attended, I was told by both City and County Road engineers that paving contracts for this project would be put out for bid very shortly (90 days?). I am still fully excited by any interest, or involvement by my peers, the general public, in this matter. And welcome all new energy. I hope that topics will include: 1/ Why is Plymouth/Penn able to stage a huge, and fully subsidized, commercial/residential development project ideally suited for West Broadway? 2/ What warrants Bus Rapid Transit development being partially, but significantly, diverted away from West Broadway to "Little" Lowry Avenue? Lowry being an Avenue planned to have a reduction in traffic lanes from 4 down to 2. 3/ Why has Lowry Avenue been designated the County Works Project for our area, instead of West Broadway; the much more significant, contentious, and needy Roadway? 4/ What parity will be guaranteed the residents of the Northside to access Bus Rapid Transit to jobs and ALL other opportunities that are available through a reverse commute out to Suburban hinterlands? (hint: The proposed Northstar Rail will focus on white suburban commuters coming to DT in the morning, and leaving in the evening.) I hope all interested parties are able to attend this meeting. Keith Reitman NearNorth REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
