I've waited a bit to weigh in on this fascinating discussion. I really didn't have anything to add.
But now I can see one point very clearly: The city has zero leverage over property these days.
This is almost entirely because we have no money to put to it, which I can understand in and of itself. But it means that, in terms of development, we either are out of the picture vis a vis public concerns, or we have to have allies.
The ally strategy is what is being pursued here and other places, and that makes sense. But we're no longer operating like a public entity as a result -- there's no process, no accountability, and little to no public input.
That may well be the best we can get, and perhaps we have to just go with it. We might have a good developer who will do us right. But there's no way to check that at all. We have no power, no control, nothing. Well, a little bit, but it's pretty miniscule -- and public money is being thrown at someone via a closed process, which is going to someday lead to obvious corruption.
Some people rightly don't like this. But it's very obvious that there is no alternative to having any say at all over this. That's a damned shame.
In case someone was wondering what the cost was of all the development since Lattimer, this is it. We've lost control, and are left begging for crumbs where we can get them.
Erik Hare [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://home.comcast.net/~wabbitoid/ Irvine Park, West End, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, North America, Earth
Fine Amish furniture, cedar chests, and crafts http://www.harmonycedar.com
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