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message to Antonio Rosell
background (by Antonio Rosell):
I have been involved in the "35W Access Project"
process since late summer 1999, serving on the PAC until late
2002. I have been critical of this project because of the
following reasons:
- existing conflicts of interest (Smith Parker manages a
publicly-financed infrastructure project whose recommendations
directly benefit their clients)
- improper awarding of contracts (multi-million dollar contracts
for consulting services awarded to Smith Parker and OSM,
SEH, and others without open public bidding)
- manipulative and distorted public participation process
- unbalanced approach to transportation solutions for the
area (project began as Allina-funded plan for moving automobiles
to and from Abbott and Honeywell parking lots - this assumption
has not changed even though the Access Project became a
public project that should have rethought/expanded its original
assumptions and approach)
- detrimental impact on minority-owned homes and businesses,
on fabric of Lake Street, on neighborhood livability and
character, and on existing and ongoing revitalization of
Lake Street
In April of this year STRIDE arranged for me to present my
ideas and opinions on the project to Phillips West - I did
so on April 3rd, and showed a presentation describing project
history, changes proposed for Lake Street and Phillips West,
and homes and businesses slated for demolition by the Access
Project. A few days later I got a message from Tom Johnson
which was cc'd to representatives of the area neighborhoods
for whom I am currently performing planning and design services.
Some of these neighborhood representatives were also told
(I am still not clear by whom) that I had made use of their
neighborhood project materials for this presentation (which
is not true).
I don't know what to make of the message, if it's supposed
to be threatening or conciliatory (email is funny that way),
but I especially liked the "I am certain that we would
also like to see your PowerPoint presentation on the I-35W
project" part.
Overall, I thought it was an interesting approach - enjoy
!
----- Original Message -----
To: Antonio Rosell
Cc: Mike Gramling (Powderhorn Park Neighborhood)
Paula Gilbertson (Powderhorn Park Neighborhood)
Barry Warner (SRF Consulting)
David Rubedor (Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association)
Craig Churchward (HNTB)
William Owens (Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association)
Justo Garcia (Hennepin County)
Shirley Heyer (Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association)
Subject: Lake Street study in Midtown Phillips and Powderhorn
Park neighborhoods
Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2003 15:01:32 -0500
Antonio,
I understand that you are under contract with Powderhorn
Park and Midtown Phillips to complete design recommendations
for a segment of Lake Street bordered by these neighborhoods.
I also have been advised that it is your intention that these
recommendations be presented to the Lake Street Reconstruction
& Streetscaping PAC. Furthermore, Mike Christenson from
Smith Parker has explained that you have a PowerPoint presentation
that you made regarding the I-35W Access Project several days
ago at the Phillips West meeting.
I feel that it would be prudent for you, Mike Gramling, Paula
Gilbertson, Barry Warner (SRF), Craig Churchward, Will Owens,
Justo Garcia and Shirley Heyer to meet prior to scheduling
a presentation with the Lake Street PAC so that we can get
a better idea as to how efforts could be coordinated. I am
certain that we would also like to see your PowerPoint presentation
on the I-35W project.
Please contact Erin as soon as you are able, giving a recommended
time, location and date. She will then contact those identified
above to also attend the meeting. If you cannot find a suitable
location, please let Erin know and I'm sure she can make an
arrangement somewhere on or near Lake Street.
Thank you, if you do not wish to have a meeting at this time,
please advise.
Tom Johnson
Transportation Consultant
SMITH PARKER P.L.L.P.
Phone: (612) 344-1500
Fax: (612) 344-1500
E-mail: tjohnson@smithparker.com
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