Fairness in Public Hearings

The Outsider
A Newsletter for the Overburdened Taxpayers of Vancouver Washington
Oct 21st, 2007

Fairness in Public Hearings

Last night I watched the public hearing on the proposed development downtown by the Al Angelo Company that would affect the Arnada neighborhood. Again the city council allowed the developer unlimited time to the consternation of the neighborhood residents. The question comes down to “when will the city give its citizens who live in neighborhoods the same considerations as developers”?

The developer was again given unlimited time to put forth their case for downtown development. City council asked many questions of the developer. In contrast the neighborhood was seldom asked any questions. It appeared that the council held public involvement to a minimum in comparison. Brent Boger, Assistant City Attorney and Gerald Baugh, Business Development Manager seemed to be working for the Angelo Company not the people of Vancouver.

When will the city decide who they serve? Do they serve people or developers who now have free reign in the city? Is more high density building part of the city’s plan to make Vancouver more livable or is it to collect taxes to feed the developers.

Developer speak is “sure we want to preserve the old growth trees”. ”Sure we want to do everything in the agreement until someone checks”. “Sure we are getting a deal at neighborhood and taxpayers sweat, so what”? When does it end? It ends when the local government works for everyone not just unbridled development and well heeled developers. Only you, the voter can change it. Exercise your right as a voter and vote for change.

It is time for Vancouver to take a deep breath and provide a vision for the entire city that would include liability as a condition for any future development. Maybe a moratorium would be in order at this time.

Charlie Stemper Candidate for City Council Position #5 City of Vancouver USA

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2 Comments so far (Add 1 more)

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Charlie,

Thanks for posting here. There is no doubt developers get a wink and a nod here, and certain old time families get a pass. I read your position and am sitting on the fence re one issue only. Are you against light rail? If so why…. thanks

[Reply]

1. Above comment written by arturo on August 22nd, 2007 at 11:03 am (replies, if any, are attributed separately above).
I think Charlie’s material was posted unbenownst to him.

My concern about light rail is its cost. Certainly, the idea of light rail is very appealing, but cost in dollars and in other ways will profoundly change our community. Basically, it will suck up a huge portion of our transportation dollars leaving other needs and infrastructure begging. We will enter a era of high density where there will be escallating needs for education, community safety, and public health funds. The costs need to be realisticly portrayed and considered before we take on light rail.

I feel we don’t need what our “rich neigbor” PDX has in light rail. If you were to see our neighbors VISA, mortgage, and savings account saving, you might agree on this.

[Reply]

2. Above comment written by Pat Campbell on August 23rd, 2007 at 9:37 am (replies, if any, are attributed separately above).

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