Monday, April 7, 2008

Here We Go Again


Last week's DCDP meeting was unfortunately a return to negative remarks, rude interruptions and accusations of bias mostly on the part of an angry congregation that has regrettably returned to the process. However, MPC staff members once again held their composure amid the rash of diatribes that polluted the meeting.

Some attendees went so far as to accuse the MPC of being biased and unfair in the process - by choosing to abandon written and oral feedback that was opposed to the draft plan. How someone can muster the nerve to say such a thing -- in light of the MPC's tedious documentation of the results of each meeting -- is nothing but divisive rhetoric. The congregation needs to be reminded that there is much more to this DCDP than just their property.

Not only is the congregation stirring up the pot, but a handful of property owners seem to be hellbent on shutting this entire operation down. I can understand a property owners concerns over their rights to a certain point (which I might add are not being infringed upon during this process). But is it really necessary to willfully attempt to sabotage a process who's main goal is to simply plan for the future?

One thing that everyone wanted to know was: "When does the public get a chance to air their concerns over the draft plan?" That date will be July 24 in front of the planning commission - and it was obvious that every person in there made a point to jot that date down on their mental calendar. Apparently those opposed to these guidelines for the future, plan to make a last stand at that meeting to try and thwart the "biased and senseless" DCDP for Charlotte Avenue. It is imperative that those who are in favor of this plan and a responsible and sustainable future for Charlotte Avenue, attend this hearing to let their voice be heard.

The Draft Plan will be presented on Monday, May 12th and will be the final meeting for the Charlotte DCDP. All are encouraged to attend to see the results of this process and provide constructive criticism.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is Elliott from the neighborhood. I don't blog so I don't have an "identity," sorry.

I wanted to remind readers that if they miss the Charlotte Avenue Planning meetings, they can be seen on Comcast Channel 10:

Sundays at 4 p.m.
Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
Thursdays at 5 p.m.
Saturdays at 11 a.m.

All programs will be seen on iQ tv10: A service of the Metropolitan Educational Access Corporation.

Stephanie said...

can some type of flier or mailer with the blog info, basic ideas of the project, dates of meetings, etc. be made up to communicate what's going on to those here in the neighborhood? i feel like most people in the neighborhood have no idea what is going on. i am willing to put anything into mail boxes, i love walking around the neighborhood!

chris said...

That is a great idea, and that very thing was done when the Rite Aid issue was hot and heavy. i will attempt to put something together and have more details to come soon.

in the meantime, please notify as many of your neighbors as you can