[Winona Online Democracy]
I'll
use my two-message limit to respond to John Finn's poke at engineers ("not
trained to analyze the land"). Like many professions, there are
unflattering stereotypes of engineers that may paint with an unfairly broad
brush. I personally know and deal with both ends of the engineering
spectrum - some are unbelievably crude and clueless, others are among the most
sensitive and creative players in the environmental field today. No
question, however, that awful engineering projects abound.
We in
the public need to take some of the responsibility for the ills John pokes
at. Projects like Mayo Woodlands - and any other subdivision for that
matter - must pass scrutiny by some publicly elected body that has adopted
engineering standards for grading, drainage, streets, lighting, paving,
etc. What are the engineering standards in place in Winona? Are our
standards any better or worse than Rochester or anywhere else?
Do we ignore or reward environmental sensitivity with our adopted
regulations?
There
is great momentum (or inertia, depending on how you view it) for old
engineering standards that may not be very innovative, adaptable, or
sustainable, and there is also great reverence for engineers' opinions. We
need to critically question the standards in place and ask for what we want -
and we just might get it.
Phil
Carlson, Mpls
|
_______________________________________________
This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy
All messages must be signed by the senders actual name.
No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list.
To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit
http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona
Any problems or suggestions can be directed to
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at
http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
