[Winona Online Democracy]
----- Original Message ----- From: "Dwayne Voegeli" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: 26 d�cembre, 2004 11:22 Subject: [Winona] Winona Daily News 5 Part Series: City Expansion--WilsonTownship > In today's Winona Daily News, Sunday, December 26, 2004, they are starting > a five part series "examining different aspects of the proposed annexation > of the land in Wilson Township to the city of Winona." > ........ > I think a five part series that does an in-depth, truly objective, and fair > study of the issue could be a great addition to the community discussion of > the issue. > ........ > Here are some questions I hope may be addressed in the remaining four stories: > > 1. I'm sure the advantages of "growth" will be discussed as the gospel > truth. Will the disadvantages and huge hidden costs of growth be > discussed? (i.e. future traffic/road problems, infrastructure costs, water > pollution, effects on farm land, etc.) Will any mention of sustainability > be made? > ........ > 5. Will different perspectives be discussed or will the stories continue > to be City Council and staff centric? Will other related factors be > discussed? >......... > What other questions or ideas do the rest of you have? > ----- Response ----- I've been working on a lengthy critique of the series, but to follow Mr. Erickson's tip about brevity in forum discussions: In part three (Demographic changes have changed the housing needs of Winona's residents) statements attributed to our city planner didn't make a convincing case that there is a need to develop the valleys and bluffs. I think it's more of a want. A want, that is, for Winona to mimic national suburban and exurban development trends of the past few decades. Although I've chosen to live in the central city, I have no doubt that many, if not a majority, of Winonans would, if they could, choose to live in a three (or more) car garage with attached house on a large lot just beyond the edge of town. City Hall is trying to plan for and satisfy this want before the townships do. I don't recall it being mentioned in the series, but cities are said to be more successful in various ways if they can avoid being surrounded by separate incorporated suburbs populated by the so-called high-value, high-earner households. The same concern would apply to the location of new commercial and industrial businesses. So while there isn't really a need to further develop the townships, City Hall might be justified in claiming a need to annex them. The various costs of road improvements wasn't mentioned. But that is usually paid for gradually and in a manner far enough removed from sight to not be noticed by most homeowners or motorists. (as opposed to school referendums) I can't claim any knowledge of water or sewer system financing, so I assume that City Hall has that adequately covered. As for the sustainability of the whole scheme: As Jerome Christenson pointed out, it no longer makes any difference whether our errands require travelling five blocks or five miles. But that is sustainable only as long as gasoline supplies continue to increase each year without significant price increases. (adjusted for inflation, gas is as cheap as it's ever been). Some oil geologists doubt that will continue much longer. If so, sustainability will depend on the success of our military efforts in securing an ever increasing portion of the Middle East oil reserves. On the other hand, the recently deceased and controversial professor of astronomy Thomas Gold of Cornell University maintained that oil is, in fact, a renewable energy source that is continually being replenished. But that debate would be beyond the scope of the City Expansion Series. John N. Finn (not all that brief, and I have yet to address the Marine-on-St.Croix part) _______________________________________________ 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
