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This project sucks !
... and we, STRIDE, oppose it. There
are many reasons for that, here's a few:
The project is unfair
The project disproportionately affects minority homeowners, and
also disproportionately and negatively impacts existing small businesses.
The project is not needed
Why are we "revitalizing" a street that's already vital?
Couldn't a much smaller amount of money make a bigger impact supporting
existing businesses and creating additional small business opportunities?
There is a clear conflict of interest
Smith Parker manages the project on behalf of the Phillips Partnership
and Hennepin County. They are a law firm that does extensive lobbying
and public relations work. Smith Parker's client list includes Allina/Abbott
Hospitals and Wells Fargo, who (surprise) will directly benefit
from the project's recommendations.
It expands 35W without our consent
About $40 million of this $150 million project goes towards accommodating
two additional lanes on 35W. Although they will not be completed
as part of this project, Mn/DOT plans to put them in service in
2010. None of the neighborhoods want this; we defeated this same
idea less than 10 years ago. However, it has been snuck into this
plan, without any debate or comment.
So what can you do?
Contact your public
officials, let them know how you feel, and remember,
NO BUILD IS AN OPTION!
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