Index of SPPS Budget Discussion http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/spps-posts.html _________________________________________
The impact of proposals being brought forward by the Alliance for Reasonable Municipal Regulation would have a severe impact on our cities should these proposals become law. The ARMR proposals have found friendly turf in the House even though we have long heard rhetoric that local control rules. The ARMR proposals substitute weak statewide control for genuine local control. Unless citizens let their legislators know they support local control, we most certainly will lose it. RE: SF 2273 Relating to Dedication Fees SF 2251 (HF 2057) Relating to Zoning and Nonconforming Uses SF 2274 (HF 2021) Relating to Limiting Moratoriums SF2037 (HF1901) Relating to Eminent Domain laws SF 2273 makes it more difficult for municipalities to charge fees. This legislation will, among other things, affect municipality�s ability to charge park dedication fees for new development, for example requiring those building 500 new housing units to make some provision for park and recreation facilities for the new residents or pay the municipality to provide additional parks and recreation areas. SF 2251 limits the power of local governments to regulate nonconforming uses. During the wind storms of 1997 many billboards in Saint Paul were so badly damaged they could not be used. Despite efforts of the city to have these hulks removed, some of the hardware remains in place. Last fall a two faced billboard on Ayd Mill Road and Grand tumbled down the hill. Under Saint Paul�s ordinances these billboards can not be replaced. Under the provisions of SF2251, these boards could be rebuilt. Despite the fact that most of Saint Paul�s billboards are at least 75 years old and are in poor shape, this legislation will make it possible to replace dilapidated boards, essentially preventing Saint Paul from ever losing its title of Billboard Capitol of Minnesota. (With over 600 billboards Saint Paul has nearly 2 times as may billboards as Minneapolis even though we have much less land area.) Supporters argue that if a bakery burned to the ground and the surrounding zoning were residential, the owner would be out of luck unless SF2251 were passed to provide protection. Nonsense. If a bakery burned down, cities would make every effort to help the bakery rebuild, perhaps in a new location. The building owner would undoubtedly have insurance to cover their loss and they would still have the ability to develop the land consistent with current zoning. The illustrations used by ARMR is at best misleading. The impact this regulation would have on city�s ability to deal will billboards, junk yards, metal shredders and other uses which some cities have found inappropriate to redevelopment and improving the quality of life in their communities is not addressed by ARMR. SF 2274 limits the power of local governments to declare moratoriums on development when conducting studies or amending a comprehensive plan. Most of the time a one year moratorium is sufficient for cities to plan for future development. However, when there are complex problems and comprehensive study is needed, a more lengthy moratorium is needed. This proposal unnecessarily ties the hands of local government. SF2037 imposes severe restrictions on the use of Eminent Domain. Cities are very cautions in their use of Eminent Domain and this legislation seeks to greatly tie community�s use of this valuable tool. Imposition of these regulations would greatly tie the hands of the cities. Local elected officials are working hard to improve their communities. They do not run rough shod over their community members, whether business or neighborhood interests. It is critical that we do not tie the hands of city elected officials as they work to improve the lives of the citizens and the entire community. I strongly urge you to oppose these bills because of the negative impact their passage would have on Saint Paul and other cities. Sincerely, -- Jeanne Weigum 651-646-3005 fax 651-646-0142 _____________________________________________ SPPS Budget Reduction Forum - Feb. 23-27 Co-Sponsored By NEAT: http://www.stpaulneat.org/ _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
