During a recent city council meeting, residents voiced their concerns over proposed changes to the comprehensive plan, particularly regarding community outreach and infrastructure issues. One resident highlighted frustrations with local road conditions, specifically mentioning 16th Avenue, and urged the council to take action to improve access.
Another speaker, Shavina, expressed her shock at the drastic changes being considered, which include a significant increase in housing units and building heights across 25% of the city. She criticized the city for a lack of clear communication and outreach regarding these proposals, questioning the effectiveness of previous community engagement efforts. Shavina emphasized the need for transparency about the trade-offs involved in meeting state housing mandates and called for more robust participation from residents in the decision-making process.
She pointed out the absence of informational materials, such as flyers or posters, that typically accompany significant developments, suggesting that the community was not adequately informed about the implications of the proposed changes. Shavina urged council members to reconsider the transit quarter proposals and prioritize community input in future planning efforts.
The meeting underscored a growing concern among residents about the balance between development and community needs, highlighting the importance of effective communication and engagement in local governance.