Cont. from previous post http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/about/maps/Zoning_CityWide_D.pdf I have another concern relating to this proposal. The purpose, according to the staff reports, is to create more housing in the city to increase the tax base and expand our economy. Fabulous goals. However, if Minneapolis is attempting to attract more residents, why is the stated goal to put all of the new housing for new folks in the R2B zone? I think this is folly. Every neighborhood should benefit from new arrivals by expanding the R2B zone to include more neighborhoods. Why, in theory, can't Lake of the Isles have a duplex? There are also economic concerns. We're trying to grow economic activity on Broadway and Central, plus keep existing strong districts strong. This requires more homeownership and the consumer power ownership brings, and as I've pointed out above, this amendment in practice will not do that. Rather it will increase the amount of rental housing in communities already rich in rental housing, and struggling in some cases to maintain economic activity. If Minneapolis really wants to push this amendment, then let's tack on a bit that caps the amount of rental units by block. Fort Collins Colorado, a bastion of Utne readership, is looking at a plan much like this to disperse rental housing throughout their entire community. It can be done in a fairly non-coercive manner by monitoring where rental permits are issued. If we really want to pursue density, which I support, and we want to provide entry level opportunities, which I support, then I would like to see us pursue other options. I don't like this amendment as it is presented. Jeremy Wieland Circulation Director Utne magazine 1624 Harmon Place Minneapolis, MN 55403 612.338.5040 x326 www.utne.com SUBSCRIBE NOW. CLICK HERE: <http://www.utne.com/subscribe/> http://www.utne.com/subscribe/ Utne is an independent media company. We believe that personal evolution is the key to social change. Our mission is to seek out and illuminate the essential information, people and trends that inspire our audience to take action to make the world kinder and greener. 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
