This month, the Midway Como Monitors cover story is a profile of Steve Wellington of Wellington Management Inc. A prominent developer in the Midway area and along University.
Mr. Wellington's arguments about the Aldi store at Lexington and University very much reflects the criticisms that many of us make of downtown development. He suggests, that the reality of what is possible on that site may not match the urban dreams of folks like myself. MIGHT, I sometimes make the same mistake that Mayor Kelly and former Mayor Coleman are often accused of, which is promoting our fantasy developments in areas that really can't support them.
My "good friend" :-) Andrew Hine recently opined "The mayor and the editors would do well to pay attention to what the "ground troops" are experiencing." I wonder what the ground troops want to see at Lexington and University. AND, I certainly don't think that us "liberal" urban enthusiasts necessarily represent the ground troops that live near University and Lexington.
I know what kind of development that I would like to see at that corner. But, I also know, that if it happens, it will change the character of that neighborhood in a manner which will benefit new residents to the community, NOT necessarily existing residents. I also know, that idealistic visions of high quality low income housing, face the very practical question of who is going to pay the bill.
I believe, that decision making about development projects is very much an ART and not a science. Its suspect, that its much more difficult that most of us can imagine. Its important to dream, but policy makers and developers don't always have that luxury.
I'd encourage us all to keep our expectations high and be vocal about our opinions, but I also think that we need to be careful about judging the motivations of those who actually have the power and responsibility to make decisions. Not every "bad" decision can be traced to an evil corporate scheme to rip off the public. Sometimes, a noble plan is simply crushed by the weight of reality.
We MIGHT be better off spending more time, trying to understand AND change the reality under which these decisions are made - rather than attacking those who make them.
Just my thoughts for the day.
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Reference:
"Wellington charts unusual pathway to role as one of Midway's top developers" By Clayton Schanilec Midway Como Monitor - January 2005
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim =================================================
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