Meeting: Darrell Clarke' Bill #060902
URGENT URGENT URGENT
You are invited to a meeting to build opposition to a dangerous bill recently introduced by Darrell Clarke (060902) that affects all communities in the city. There will be a hearing on February 7th, unless we act now. (We also need to oppose a companion bill, #060901.)
WHO's Invited: Community activists of all political persuasions from around the city
WHERE: Songhai City Cultural Center, 3117 Master Street, 215-769-3333
WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 2007, from 6:00 PM thru 7:30 PM
WHAT:
1. We will present detailed information about Darrell Clarke's Bill #060902, which would create a new zoning designation (having citywide effect) called an Industrial Transformation District (ITD). It is misnamed because an ITD can be established wherever there are large lots, not just in industrial areas. This legislation would allow a developer to create a master plan for developing larger lots and their vicinities, totally bypassing the community and the Zoning Board. This usurps even the pretense of power that we have to shape development in our communities and may be the tip of the iceberg. Will the next casinos have a clearer path to build in our backyards? Was this part of the NTI demolition plan all along? Will other types of special districts follow? Don't we need comprehensive zoning reform, not piecemeal changes that benefit only large developers and the well-connected?
2. We will update you on the Planning Commission Meeting of Jan. 16, 2007, at which the bill was discussed for 1.5 hours.
3. We will strategize over how activists from around the city can defeat the bill through individual and collective activities before, during and after the scheduled Feb. 7th City Council hearing on the bill. (Don't forget that this is an election year!
4. After the meeting, and only for those interested, we will discuss whether there are other topics we should work on - topics that would garner broad, non-partisan support.
PLEASE tell us whether you will attend by calling 215-769-3333.
All community organizations and activists throughout the city welcome to attend!
Sponsored by AABRA (the African-American Business & Residents Association).
All of MMPs Feeds
Comments
Just got back from the
Just got back from the meeting. There was a good turn out and a lot of energy in the room. Al Alston of AABRA explained each bill. One bill is intended to create a designation called an Industrial Transformation District. The second bill wants to create the first ITD in Brewerytown.
In an ITD, any developer can propose any type of use, be it residential or commercial, regardless of what the land adjacent is, or what the land used to be zoned as. And the plans can be approved without any community notification.
The second bill proposes establishing the first ITD corresponding to a site that Westrum has on their website for future Westrum developments. This would eliminate the battle that the community fought against the Pennrose development from being repeated, clearing the road from any neighborhood comment or resistance.
Could someone please confirm
Could someone please confirm if Al Alston acutally lives in Brewerytown or not (home, where he sleeps, not one of his properties).
Yes, Al grew up and still
Yes, Al grew up and still lives in Brewerytown.
al does not live in
al does not live in brewerytown. he ownes businesses in brewerytown including rental propertis that he decides not to pay the property taxes on.