We shouldnt minimize the reality that contributions from developers to government officials can create a conflict of interest.
But as to Klodts development of the Hiawatha Flats site, contributions aside, is, in my view and the view of many residents, the wrong type of development for the Tiro site and is not at all similar to the 46th St. Master Plan, approved by the city. I wont just get over it as one forum contributor suggested! We can agree that cleaning that eyesore of a site and changing the zoning from industrial to residential is a positive thing and good for the community. The large part of the community realizes that development will be substantial and dense along Hiawatha Ave., especially the East side due to the transit oriented development strategy of the city and we accept that. However, simply because the city wants high density does not mean any high density. We can do density in a more thoughtful and appealing way. The flats project has the appeal of a barracks. One building (3-5 stories) stretches for the entire block, abuts the railroad (which realistically is not going away any time soon). You can put all the bells and whistles on that façade but you cant mask its mass and coldness. As this project is slated to be 100% rental, perhaps the developer isnt as concerned with how appealing the structure is. As the younger Klodt member said at a LCC Community meeting, and I quote we plan to hold onto this building for around 39 years, which is what we usually do, and then they might be converted into condos. This was in response to a question posed about the possibility of some of the project being condos and having a home ownership component. Which I think would have made this project much more palatable for the community as a whole. Additionally, the transit-oriented component to this project is off. I urge any citizen to try walking from the site, how about on a day like today, cross 6 lanes of traffic, and for good measure, try this at night with inclement weather. It can take 2 light cycles and that is for an able bodied person on a good day. Something needs to be done about that! I urge our community to demand that our elected officials consider thoughtfully and carefully new high density plans. M. Brady Hiawatha Resident REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
