Consistently surprised by development By Terry Brown, DPPA board member. A recent Council meeting emphasized the problem of public involvement in development of land in Duluth. At issue was the "Riverside Hills" condominium development in West Duluth. A neighbor of the development brought many concerns related to the development, construction on the site and its impact of nearby dwellings. On one hand, the developers, reminded the Council that they have attended numerous meetings with the Planning Commission and the Duluth Economic Development Authority (DEDA). On the other hand, the neighbor said she had only become involved in the issue a week ago and seemed to feel that the proposal had been sprung upon her fully formed and without opportunity for her concerns to be considered. This situation seems to be repeated in almost all developments. The Lester Park Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) subdivision, the Lakewalk extension, and the Endion Ledges development are other recent examples. Neither neighbors or developers are served by this cycle of surprise and consequent suspicion. Some City officials argue that the information is available in published agendas and minutes, and presented in open meetings, and that it's the responsibility of the public to dig it out if they're interested. Clearly, these mechanisms aren't working. It is unrealistic to expect everybody living in Duluth to monitor the agendas of all the different City agencies which can impact their lives. There must be a better way to involve people in the process. The media, the City, and neighborhoods need to work together on this problem. Developers might save themselves some conflict if they tried to engage the local community earlier. Our elected officials, unelected officials and media need to hear that people want more involvement in developments that change the nature of their home town. Make sure they hear your ideas. One to watch... You may not have heard, but there are plans to develop condominiums around 21st Ave. E on Water Street west of the Endion Ledges area, where there's currently a garden center. So far it sounds as if the City will secure an easement to keep the Lakewalk between the Lake and condos, which is a good thing. Being by the Lake is part of what defines Duluth, and if the general public is increasingly isolated from the Lake, that part of Duluth's character is eroded. These kinds of changes should involve the community as a whole. These articles are retained on the web for historical interest and do not necessarily reflect the views or goals of DPPA today.

[Index] [Previous article] [Next article]