Let's look at the track record here: 1. NAM holds a public meeting, invites critics and advocates of the Historic District plan to attend. The advocates refuse, citing scheduling problems (but Matt Wolfe did appear, so he deserves praise on that point).
Yes, the NAM public meeting was really informative. I learned that L&I would be able to take a home away from a hardworking family because they lived in a Historic District. I also learned that rents were not market driven.
2. The Spruce Hill Neighborhood Alliance (SHNA), a new group organized form that meeting, speaks to Jannie Blackwell over the matter of how little the advocates have done to find out if people even _want_ the proposal. 3. Once word of this gets out, lots of things happen.
This is a good thing, right?
4. The advocates suddenly annouce "block meetings," during which they will explain their position to small groups.
As far as I know, there was always planned meeting. In fact, my block had a meeting and it was very helpful to hear the pros and cons without Al Krigman quoting the Magna-Charta in the background. Not that I would even suggest that Al didn�t have the constitutional right to free speech. It is just annoying. At any rate, the block talked about roofs and windows and property rights and L&I permits already required that most people ignore. I, for one, am still on the fence.
5. After SHNA distributes their own flyers to the blocks where meetings are held, the advocates _clam up_ about future meetings, refusing to tell anyone when and where they're being held. It is not clear as to how much of Spruce Hill is even notified about these meetings.
I knew where and when my block meeting was being held. The block captain passed out flyers. It seemed to be enough for our block. Of course, folks outside the proposed district were not notified.
6. The advocates cobble together a Public Meeting for tomorrow night, presenting Jannie Blackwell as an attendee alongside of two advocates. Once again, critics are excluded from the debate.
Maybe so. And thank god there will be someone from the Historic Commission to set the record straight so people can make an informed decision.
7. When SHNA distributes flyers, urging more people to attend the meeting, the advocates _tear down_ these posters within hours.
Sounds like speculation. Do you have specific examples? Never the less, the meeting has been advertised through out the neighborhood via UC Press, the Internet and word of mouth. Do you think someone is unaware of the meeting who needs to be aware?
Let's be blunt here, friends and neighbors-- these are the people who feel it's their right to give away your property rights even when they're making every effort to prevent you from hearing any objections.
Tonight you can let Jannie know how you feel. And I for one say, it is about time. My block captain said to me last night that she is hard pressed to think of more than a handful of people screaming on the list serve against this. Some screaming voices don�t even live in the proposed boundaries. Tonight, I am going to listening to the facts and weigh the pros and cons.
Chris Card
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C J Card
42nd Street and Osage Ave
Philadelphia Pa 19104
cell: 215.681.3732
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