From a theoretical standpoint, that is understandable. But theory is not always the best approach for dealing with local residents and local businesses. “We had planned our retirement. We were picking out beaches,” Don Allen told The Columbian. After learning of the development ban, he told the city council: “I don’t expect you to change your mind on the moratorium. But I want to let you know that these decisions do impact people.”
Part of good governance is limiting that impact and communicating with citizens.
According to the letter received by the Allens, the moratorium will last for at least six months, and likely will be extended to 12 months. For the owners of Crosley Lanes — and perhaps other businesses in the area — the moratorium is life-changing. As Rachael Allen said: “There isn’t a developer in their right mind that would pay that much money for this big a property and not know what they can do with it. I wouldn’t blame anybody. That would be ludicrous.”
The proposal to target Evergreen and Grand for development is sensible. As Uptown Village north of downtown demonstrates — along with, say, Alberta Street or the Hawthorne District in Portland — areas with coffee shops, restaurants and small retail outlets can create dynamic, desirable neighborhoods that add vibrancy to a city while boosting the local economy.
Vancouver officials also are targeting sections of Mill Plain Boulevard, Fourth Plain Boulevard and the St. Johns/St. James couplet for their vision of a self-sustaining neighborhood. At the same time, they are finalizing big plans for the former Tower Mall site along Mill Plain Boulevard. It will take decades for those visions to be realized, but even the longest journey begins with a single step.
In the process, the city must find the proper balance between its vision for the future and the needs of current residents and business owners while communicating effectively. Admittedly, that can be difficult. But as the tale of Don and Rachael Allen demonstrates, even the most pristine vision has reverberations that echo among the people of Vancouver.
2019-12-22 14:07:53Z
https://www.columbian.com/news/2019/dec/22/in-our-view-city-must-balance-vision-of-future-current-needs/
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