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That's really interesting. I could incorporate my silver and glass. But once I got started in the glass, I discovered a medium that I just couldn't stop working.

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Member Smith asked that our resolution regarding the MML legislative action request is the microphone

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sounding really strange?

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Okay.

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We're going to try and fix that.

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Is that better?

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Okay.

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All right.

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So on the consent agenda, the Maryland Municipal League legislative action request will be pulled

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from the consent agenda and we will discuss that.

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Other than that, there are no changes to our agenda this evening.

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If you need copies of the packet, the agenda, or other items we're discussing, they're

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on the table over here.

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In addition, if you would like to sign up to comment on the Tacoma Junction, either one of the

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resolutions we'll be taking up this evening, there is a sign and she at the back of the room.

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And then tonight is our last meeting for the summer after this evening, we will be in recess until early September.

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So our first thing this evening are public comments on voting items.

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Our first voting item is the second reading ordinance authorizing the FY 2019 budget amendment number one.

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Any public comments on that?

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Okay, seeing no public comments on that.

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Our second voting item is the second reading ordinance authorizing the FY 2019 storm war to budget amendment number one

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Seeing no public comments on that. We have the second reading ordinance awarding a contract for Lincoln Avenue sidewalk

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Constructions any public comments on that

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Okay, next is the second reading ordinance authorizing purchase of replacement police vehicles any public comments on that

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Next is the second reading ordinance authorizing a contract with the International Association

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of Chiefs of Police to conduct a promotional process for the police department.

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Any comments?

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Next is the Resolution Authorizing Submission of Legislative Action Request to the Maryland

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Municipal League.

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Next, we'll have our consent agenda that includes resolution providing for redepointment to the

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the Commission on Landlord-Tanada Affairs.

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Okay, switch out my microphone, okay.

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And then we have a resolution setting forth dates for the City Council's summer recess.

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All right, no public comments on that.

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We'll go to our voting session.

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The first item is the second reading ordinance authorizing the FY 2019 budget amendment number

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one.

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I don't believe there were any changes since last week.

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There's no changes.

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These are mostly carryover items. There were only three items that were new, which we went over last week, so I think, unless there's questions, it's straightforward.

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Okay, would someone like to move the order? Councilman Searsie, would someone like to second? Councilman Acoustic? Any discussion or questions?

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No, would the clerk like to call the roll, please? Councilmember Covar? Councilmember DiValla? Councilmember Acoustic? Councilmember Siemens?

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Councilmember Smith?

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Yes.

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Councilmember Circe?

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Mayors Stewart?

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Yes.

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All right.

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Next, we need to vote to convene.

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That's the Stormboard and Management Board.

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Would someone like to move that?

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Yes.

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That's one.

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Circe, do I have a second?

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That's the Councilwoman DiBala?

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All those in favor of convene?

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Yes.

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The Stormboard and Management Board.

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Hi.

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Hi.

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Any opposed?

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Any abstaining?

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We are now the Stormboard and Management Board.

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And we will take up the second reading ordinance authorizing the FYI 2019 Stormboard

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a budget amendment number one. This is a second reading. There's no changes from the first reading.

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So, would someone like to move this? Council Member Smith, second. Council Member

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Costick, second. Any discussion? A little clerk called the roll. Council Member Kovar.

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Council Member DiBala. Council Member Costick. Council Member Siemens.

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Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Ceresi. Mayor Stewart. Yes. Next item is our third voting item,

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is second reading ordinance awarding a contract for the Lincoln Avenue sidewalk construction.

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I don't think there's any. There's no change from this item that was introduced last week.

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And as we said, the company is SEC Corporation with the construction bid of $435,000 and I urge her

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approval. Right. Would someone like to move? Councilman DiBalla? Is it five a second?

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Finally. Councilman Ciarcik second? Councilman DiBalla? Yes. I have one question. Do we

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know when, if this is approved tonight, do we know when this might start? Yeah. It should

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start. No, I'm fading up. Just hold up fingers for months and we'll be good. It should

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It's not fairly soon, we're waiting to sign a contract.

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Okay. All right, so that was fairly soon waiting to sign the contract in case anybody didn't hear that.

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Great.

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Terrific.

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I'm going to clerk call the roll.

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Councilmember Cogor.

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Councilmember DiBalla.

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Yes.

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Councilmember Costick.

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Councilmember Siemens.

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Councilmember Smith.

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Yes.

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Councilmember Circe.

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Mayor Stewart.

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Yes.

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Next item is second reading ordinance authorizing purchase of replacement police vehicles.

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Again, no change on that item. Do I have someone who would like to move that?

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Councillor Members, Siemens, do I have a second?

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Councilwoman Costick, any discussion or questions? Councilwoman DiBalla?

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Yes, I don't know if you talked about this last week or not.

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We're at the Maryland Municipal League conference. There was a police officer from Hyatt's

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the retrofitted sedan. And so I would ask the plea review committee and the police chief

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to look into that for the next go round.

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Thank you.

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We did.

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Okay, great.

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Okay.

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Any other questions or comments?

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Looks like a follow-all.

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Councilmember Covar, Councilmember DiBalla, Councilmember Costick, Councilmember Siemens,

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Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Cersei, Mayor Stewart.

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Yes.

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Yes. Our fifth item is second read ordinance authorizing a contract with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to conduct a promotional process for the police department.

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Again, this one had no change from its first reading, so someone like to move it.

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Councilmember Siemens, second.

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Councilmember Siehersey, second. Any questions on this one?

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No questions? All right, we'll clerk call the roll.

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Councilmember Siehersey.

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Councilmember Smith. Councilmember Siemens. Councilmember Kostik. Councilmember DeBalla.

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Councilmember Kovar. Mayor Stewart. Yes. Next we have the resolution authorizing submission

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of the legislative action request to the Maryland Municipal League. And we had the work

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session last week for council members. The updated resolution is in your packet on orange.

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And just to recap what we talked about last week, the City Council held a work session and

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selected the following for submission to the Maryland Municipal Aid.

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The first was legislation to support residents impacted by increasing property values and

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rents resulting from infrastructure improvements, transit projects such as the purple line and

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redevelopment.

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The second request was legislation mandating coordination cooperation between utilities,

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the State Highway Administration and municipalities to minimize impact on residents and businesses during infrastructure construction and repairs and the third item was legislation to enable municipalities to decrease dependence upon property tax revenue by having additional options for raising revenues through taxation either by increased intergovernmental sharing of tax revenue or by allowing additional types of taxation.

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So, these will be sent to the Maryland Municipal League, and each year they consider the

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request from municipalities across the state, and then the legislative committee decides

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on which ones they will move forward.

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So, with someone like to move the resolution.

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Council Member Siemens, do I have a second?

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Councilman Costick.

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Any discussion on this item?

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All right.

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Seeing no discussion.

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All those in favor, please say aye.

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Aye.

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Aye.

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Any opposed?

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Aye.

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Any abstaining?

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Okay.

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That's six to one.

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Our next is our consent agenda.

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We someone like to move the consent agenda.

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Councilwoman Steer-C, do I have a second?

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Councilmember Covar, all those in favor of the consent agenda?

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Please say aye.

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Aye.

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Any opposed?

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Any abstaining?

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Consent agenda passes.

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All right.

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We will move now on to council comments for the evening.

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Is there any council comments this evening?

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Councilman Costa. Yeah, I'll keep things brief since I know we have a long night ahead of us. I'm happy to see everyone here tonight. I first of all I want to say I've gotten a lot of emails from people and I appreciate all of them. I do apologize if I haven't had a chance to get back to you. I've gotten a lot today that I have read but haven't had a chance to respond to and I do hope to get back to everyone within the next couple of days. I also want to note since we're not having for their meetings in August that there will be an event on August

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August 22nd for Ward 3, we're having our Ward 3 day at the Crossroads Farmer's Market

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on Ann Street. And there will be a guided tour of the Farmer's Market at 1130 that day

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and 1130 AM, followed by an opportunity to sit and chat, enjoy some of the food and talk

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about city issues, whatever's on your mind. So I hope people will join me and I'll be sending

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out some email blasts to remind people about that. Thank you.

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Yeah,

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I was going to say something similar about the emails, but I first want to thank the City staff and other council members for helping me through while I was away on a family, along the family visit for the last two weeks, but I'm back and if I haven't read everything I think, but I haven't responded and I will win the next three days to all of you individually. Thank you for your comments.

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Thank you, just two quick things.

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One, I had the opportunity to meet recently with representatives of the Tacoma Park Youth Council as people know that's a newly set up group, and I met with a small subgroup of them the other day here in the community center, and I just want to encourage my colleagues that they haven't already done that to do the same thing because they had a lot of great suggestions, and they were very active and interested in what we're doing.

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and happy to be part of the process that we have going on here in the municipalities.

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So I think it's a good example of a nice step forward that we did, and it's great to see engaged people, younger people like that.

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And I just want to mention one other thing, just kind of a light heart of things, since we might need that for later.

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But I was parked somewhere a couple of days ago, and as I moved toward my car, this gentleman came up to me, and he looked at me kind of strange.

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And I went in and came back out to the car and said, oh, I was really worried and profiled.

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You looked like Ted Cruz, but then I saw your Jamie Raskin sticker on your car and I knew you were okay.

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So just throwing that out there.

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With permission, I forgot two things.

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Are we a question for the city manager?

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Are we done in Long Branch Lago with Washington, yes?

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We'll wait on that one because in my other question was also for the city manager, so somebody else got

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First it's great to see everyone

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We're having issues with the

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Why would I be able to do this for you like any other way?

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I don't understand that.

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They took away, OK?

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There's a huge lobby out front.

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Thank you.

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And that's where I want to set up.

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That's where I usually set up.

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I do not understand why I'd be challenged by the city manager

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and brought some grip in the planter.

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You can front me and mean it a lot.

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You tell me, I can't do a public table in a public bed.

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You can do a public thing, which is called a recall.

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It's called democracy, it's part of the Jordan, right?

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Everybody write the set-up and you're about to shut up.

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Wait a minute.

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Do we need to everybody at one, please?

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All right, we are dealing with two situations right now.

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The city manager may need to leave.

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So I just ask your patient for me, all right?

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There's a situation that we need to deal with in the city,

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and I all ask you to please just your patients for one moment.

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Secondly, we are having issues with the microphone

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phone that we are trying to fix. We do have an overflow room. Is that correct? And where is it?

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The isalea room. So if you would like to sign in, if you want to speak and then go

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sit in the isalea room, you can't. Okay? Yeah, there are seats up here. There are tons of chairs.

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All right, now, if I can continue, it's good to see everyone here.

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I have just a couple announcements.

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I want to thank WPFW for hosting last week's town hall.

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It was really great.

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I even learned a lot about gentrification.

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I want to thank Katia and Dave, the host.

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They actually live here in Tacoma Park. I want to remind everyone that this Saturday is community day at Essex House Apartments. It runs from two to six. You can get a chance to see local reggae ban positive vibrations. There will be free food, kid performances, face painting, and a chance to share some food with your neighbors. This Saturday. This Saturday in the parking lot.

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And then finally, the Park Valley Bridge will be closed for the next 18 months for reconstruction.

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There is a traffic detour that is out on social media, so please you can go to my Twitter,

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page, Jared Smith, and get the information.

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Thank you.

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Great.

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Any other council, council, and women?

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It's your seat.

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Good evening, everyone.

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So, I'll be real quick, so I had the opportunity on Monday along with the Executive Director

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of the Crossroads Development Authority, Kaley Gnall, to attend Purple Line now forum.

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It was a great exchange and included the new Executive, the new CEO of the Purple Line

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Transit Partners.

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So we were able to learn a lot and also make some really important connections not just within

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Montgomery County, but there were a lot of representatives also from

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Prince George's County as well. So that was a wonderful

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opportunity

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Once you continue to encourage people if you are interested in knowing more about the construction schedule

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For the purple line you can sign up online for alerts

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particularly those that are in ward 6 as well as areas of ward 5, as they are continuing to move forward with construction,

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there's definitely going to be times in which streets will be closed or, you know, utilities make flicker things like that

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because they're relocating a lot of utilities right now, so I just want to encourage everyone to please sign up for the updates.

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Thank you.

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Any other council comments this evening?

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All right.

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We'll come back to unless the WDC Manager have the City Manager's comments.

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Do you want to review those while she's out?

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So just very quickly we wanted to remind everyone that Tuesday, August 7th is National Night Out.

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This year's, last year's, got cancelled at the very last minute due to whether very much like we're experiencing tonight.

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This is where police departments across the nation come together to host an event that

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will involve all sorts of games and food and giveaways, things of that nature.

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The purpose of the event is to heighten safety and crime prevention awareness and to support

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locally based businesses, groups and organizations.

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There are going to be all sorts of community groups there with tables and giveaways of their

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own.

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Again, it's going to be on Tuesday, August 7th, from 6 to 9, and it'll be at 75-10 Maple

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Avenue right in front of Piney Branch Elementary School.

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Also a quick update on the Dockless Bike Evaluation Report that we've been expecting from

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the county.

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We heard from county staff that they expect their consultants will wrap up the report in

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early August, and we'll share information with you all as soon as it's available.

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On a related note, you may have seen yesterday's Washington Post that OFO is pulling out

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of the area, the yellow dockless bike, a representative for the company said that DC's

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regulations were too strict to work for their business model.

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And finally, just a note on the city manager and my schedule during recess, she'll be

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out of the office on vacation August 17th through the 31st and I'll be taking leave earlier

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in August during that time, one of the two of us will always be here.

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Terrific. Thank you very much. All right. We will just as a reminder, can I ask my

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answer? Never mind. Do you need something?

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As a reminder, there's sign up in the back of the room. If you'd like to speak on

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Tacoma Junction, I already have two full sign-up sheets up here. I'll start reading

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off of. And there is the overflow room in the Azalea room if people want to go and

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and sit there. So we will start now with public comments.

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On both resolutions, the alternative resolution regarding the Tacoma Junction site and the resolution regarding the junction site, or any just general comments you want on Tacoma Junction. The first person I have is Vaughn McCandish, and I'm apologize if I pronounce names wrong this evening. Vaughn

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McCandish, and I am a resident of 8300 Flower Avenue Ward 5. I'm also the managing partner of the covered market in Old Town, Tacoma. I'm neither four against the junction,

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development based on its design. However, I wanted to make a few points about why I believe it

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is not the right time for this development to occur and to come apart from a financial's perspective.

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The type of retail and restaurants that exist in your community are important equally so

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is who owns those businesses. It's basic economics that is city and

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grows best by acting to bring in as much money as possible into the community from outside sources.

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It also then must act to try and ensure that most profits earned within the community remain here.

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This results in more tax dollars.

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Small businesses generally keep profits local.

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Unless locally owned, regional and national businesses often send much other profits out of the community.

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In 2013, Old Townscoma Park was primarily entirely the first location small businesses.

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cases. Over the last five years, first location entrepreneurs within our community have not taken

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over majority of the empty spaces. There are many viable openings in terms of opportunities

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for small business, but lately the city has not motivated its entrepreneurs to fill those

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needs. Instead, we are often taking the easy route of finding regional businesses to fill

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the gap, and the number of retailers in the bid district has declined dramatically. Developing

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when you know that the resulting tenants are likely to be a detriment to the community by

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removing money from our economy is definitively not the right choice.

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I believe we need to counsel to take a few steps back and consider how we can best encourage the entrepreneurs within our city before any development occurs.

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The issue is that as larger businesses arrive, the more larger the business, they will be more likely entrenched.

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If regional or national businesses continue to take over more and more spaces, we may eventually find it very difficult to secure spaces for our local entrepreneurs.

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The unique field that our visitors envy very much about our city is fragile.

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We need to maintain a small business oriented community in order to maintain our diversity

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and to keep selling items not found on the shelves of big retail.

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After all, while we may have some good food coming to town, the field of walking down the

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street in the business district is greatly influenced by the items in the window.

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My understanding is that the city will receive lease payments starting at $120,000 per year

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from this development.

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I've also heard that the cancellation of the contract with NEC may cost the city $75,000.

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In perspective of the city's budget, both of these numbers are minor.

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There are better ways to earn the income and the cost to end this development contract currently would be the better result for the community.

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I understand that it may be difficult to be in a situation we have to pay to escape.

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We should not proceed with a bad idea because canceling a contract is uncomfortable.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Jenny, Stella, and Diane Cameroon and Carol Clayton, the next three people.

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Hi,

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I'm Jenny Stellow from Ward 1, and I'm going to second what this gentleman just said

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about keeping having local business owners because the profits remain in our community

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instead of corporate profit going out of our community.

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I am here to say that I dissent from the NDC plan, and I urge and beg you to please

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second and vote for the alternate plan.

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Diane,

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and then Carol Clayton.

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My name is Diane Cameron.

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I live in Kensington, Maryland.

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I shop at the Tacoma Park Silver Spring Co-op.

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I'm a former resident here.

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I have attended Earth Day celebrations at the publicly owned lot and I'm here to

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support Council Member Jarrett Smith's alternative resolution and I urge all of you to vote

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for it so that we will keep public lands in public hands.

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Thank you.

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00:25:01,710 --> 00:25:21,190
I'm Carol Clayton. I've been at the Comma Park resident for 28 years. I have raised two children here, and my roots are here. I urge the council to please, if you don't adopt the alternate plan to delay the vote until mediation is complete. Thank you.

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Emily

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Calm, Harry Solomon, and Jessica Landman.

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What was the first one?

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00:25:33,670 --> 00:25:35,830
Emily Coleman, it looks like.

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00:25:38,040 --> 00:25:38,340
Come here.

321
00:25:38,460 --> 00:25:39,000
Yes, sorry.

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Ward three, Emily Komebe.

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This flower represents our hope that you will vote in the interest of our community.

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And second, and vote for this alternative plan.

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Thank you.

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Harry Solomon, Jessica Landman.

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I'm

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00:26:11,300 --> 00:26:13,180
used to it, it's Harvey, not Harry.

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00:26:13,300 --> 00:26:14,520
Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

330
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My name's Harvey Solomon, and I'm a proud resident of Ward 1.

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I hope 17-year-old homeowner here in Tacoma Park.

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Many of you might recognize the logo on my t-shirt.

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00:26:24,820 --> 00:26:27,680
I just like to tell you briefly how it started.

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On January 17, 2017, several days after the women's march on the mall, seven people slipped into a construction site near the White House after midnight.

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They climbed up a crane and unfurled a 70-foot banner for all the world to see.

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My best friend, Karen Topakian, chairman of the Board of Greenpeace, was one of them.

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Despite her fear of heights, she climbed in the bitter cold, in the pitch black, more

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than 100 feet in the air, and changed herself to that ladder.

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Six others climbed even higher to hang and later remove that banner before they descended

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and they were arrested.

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Does anybody here have that kind of courage?

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I know I don't.

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But tonight some of you are facing something that could be very tough, not physically, of

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course, but mentally.

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What is it changing your mind?

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And resisting the temptation to just draw a wall,

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resisting the temptation, the urge

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to just science say, enough is enough.

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Let's just pass this draft resolution and be done with it.

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But that won't be the end of it.

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It'll be the beginning.

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The beginning of the development that'll be here long after most of us are gone.

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I'll leave it to others to explain who are far more eloquent to explain the

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particulars of how we can do better. We're to come apart with a long proud

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history of not doing what's easy or expedient, but what's right. I'm not

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equating your decision. I'm not equating your decision here tonight to

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risking your life climbing up a hundred feet in the dead of night. But let me

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say it's a pretty humbling experience to sit at your dining room table and hear first

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hand about that kind of commitment about that kind of courage.

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I think it takes a different and no less valid kind of courage to dig down deep and to

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say, you know what, I got it wrong.

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It's not too late, vote for alternative resolution 7.

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Let's work together to find a better solution.

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I know it's a lot to ask, but the train hasn't yet left the junction and

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I'm hoping to see that kind of courage here tonight.

366
00:29:07,620 --> 00:29:08,300
Thank you.

367
00:29:17,080 --> 00:29:21,960
Good evening, I'm Jessica Landman from Ward 1. That was a tough act to follow, I have to say.

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I want to draw people's attention tonight to one specific fact, which is that in the resolution, the city is finally acknowledging that, and I'm paraphrasing here,

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that the proposal in the resolution involves multiple lots and includes construction across

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at least one property line which must be addressed either through consolidation of the

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lots or through a legal agreement that satisfies the requirements of Montgomery County.

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Thank you at least for coming forward and stating that problem clearly at long last.

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Now there is this whereas clause that's in the resolution says that

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The city has a preferred alternative for addressing this situation, which is to, and I'm quoting again, consolidate the lots under city ownership. Now that does sound good because it would address the problem of multiple ownerships. But my question is, how is this going to be accomplished? Is the city planning to buy the Johnny's auto lot for a million dollars? Or are you counting on NDC to buy the lot as currently planned and then donate it to the city?

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Because the residents who have been assured that taxpayers are not going to be on the hook for any costs associated with this project need to be informed how this key problem is going to be resolved.

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And I, for one, would be very interested in hearing what NDC has to say about the city's preferred alternative, what their perspective is on it, and how this consolidation is proposed to occur.

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In my opinion, I think the resolution needs a be-it-resolved clause stating that if this is moving forward, which, as you know, I think is premature and inappropriate, that there needs to be a clause in this resolution stating that the city will consolidate these lots through an agreement with NDC, and that this is going to be accomplished without cost to the city and taxpayers before you proceed to the stage of this resolution moving forward and the county being asked to

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to begin considering the site plan.

379
00:31:21,980 --> 00:31:24,640
Otherwise, we're talking about wasting the county's time

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00:31:25,200 --> 00:31:26,680
and the taxpayers' money.

381
00:31:27,340 --> 00:31:28,060
Thank you very much.

382
00:31:28,200 --> 00:31:30,980
I would very much appreciate it if the mayor or city manager

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could speak to this question for everyone here tonight

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before you take a vote because taxpayer dollars are at stake.

385
00:31:37,960 --> 00:31:39,460
So thank you, and thank you, Jared Smith,

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for your resolution which I encourage

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all council members to vote for.

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I

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just want to remind folks who you have an overflow room

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00:31:52,540 --> 00:32:00,540
in the azalea room if you want you can bought back and forth if you'd like to have a seat there and the sign-up sheet is in the back.

391
00:32:01,120 --> 00:32:04,600
You may want to mention that child care is available in the team room.

392
00:32:04,800 --> 00:32:08,100
Yes and child care is available in the team room if anyone wants that.

393
00:32:09,120 --> 00:32:15,380
So the next three folks we have are Merlin Kettering, Susan Schreiber and Byrne Kelly.

394
00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:41,980
Merlin Kettering, greetings council members, mayor, city manager and all who help to guide the city.

395
00:32:42,200 --> 00:32:42,560
Thank you.

396
00:32:45,950 --> 00:32:56,350
Considering the permanence of the infrastructural dimensions of the development and considering

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the irretractability of the social dimensions of the development.

398
00:33:02,710 --> 00:33:13,750
I believe the decision will be best made when it is based upon the most well informed discernment possible.

399
00:33:15,590 --> 00:33:22,950
Gaps in your discernment will become very visible for the future that we are shaping.

400
00:33:24,230 --> 00:33:33,210
Therefore, I support and I urge you to support the alternative resolution by Councilmember

401
00:33:33,210 --> 00:33:37,210
Smith to second it and pass it

402
00:33:39,360 --> 00:33:44,380
because we are shaping a future that will have tangible

403
00:33:44,830 --> 00:33:46,920
and intangible effects.

404
00:34:00,440 --> 00:34:06,880
Good evening, I'm Susan Schreiber, formerly of Maple Avenue, formerly of Sherman Avenue

405
00:34:06,880 --> 00:34:13,020
and for the last ten years on Willow Avenue. Mayor Stewart and members of the council,

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00:34:13,500 --> 00:34:19,260
I would like to ask that each of you prior to voting tonight on NDC's plan for developing

407
00:34:19,260 --> 00:34:26,040
our property at the junction, to explain the reasons for your vote. You have told us that

408
00:34:26,040 --> 00:34:31,600
you have been listening, but you have provided no public response to the many issues and questions

409
00:34:31,600 --> 00:34:37,280
raised by hundreds of people in our community who have weighed in with the legitimate concerns

410
00:34:37,280 --> 00:34:43,380
about the size and scale of this project, is probable impact on the future viability of

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00:34:43,380 --> 00:34:49,440
the food co-op, as well as other existing businesses in the junction, on traffic, and on

412
00:34:49,440 --> 00:34:55,120
our concerns about how the development as envisioned will contribute to increased gentrification

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00:34:55,120 --> 00:34:57,380
and racial and economic segregation.

414
00:34:58,600 --> 00:34:59,820
You've heard from 15.

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00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:29,720
Architects and builders, environmental scientists, and overwhelming majority of the business owners in the junction, and many, many informed residents, who have expressed serious concerns about these and other issues, including why our city is so eager to hand over a centrally located place of publicly owned land that has so much potential to be developed in creative ways that could truly benefit our community. To a developer who has shown

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no particular interest in the values of our community.

417
00:35:33,800 --> 00:35:40,000
For a term of 99 years, in a deal that seems extremely favorable for the developer, and

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with little financial return coming into the city for at least 20 years.

419
00:35:44,880 --> 00:35:50,880
We know you have been listening to NDC, but I ask that before you vote tonight, each of

420
00:35:50,880 --> 00:35:59,340
you, each of you, explain the basis of your decision in detail, including how, if and

421
00:35:59,340 --> 00:36:05,860
how the concerns that so many people have raised have informed and shaped your thinking.

422
00:36:06,780 --> 00:36:12,640
And please don't tell us not to worry because changes to this plan can always be made after

423
00:36:12,640 --> 00:36:16,120
your formally vote to approve it.

424
00:36:16,760 --> 00:36:19,240
You have told us not to worry about traffic.

425
00:36:19,860 --> 00:36:22,440
You have told us not to worry about the co-op.

426
00:36:22,880 --> 00:36:26,820
We are worried and we deserve a response from you now.

427
00:36:26,820 --> 00:36:30,420
Why are you supporting this?

428
00:36:30,900 --> 00:36:31,320
Thank you.

429
00:36:45,150 --> 00:36:48,630
Good evening, Mayor, Council, administration.

430
00:36:50,090 --> 00:36:57,150
I thought it was pretty despicable to be told by two planners, and a police officer I couldn't set up a table.

431
00:36:58,510 --> 00:37:03,050
I always have a table, I have plans, I've worked on this project for free for four years.

432
00:37:03,810 --> 00:37:06,890
I've given an alternative side plans and I've met with everyone.

433
00:37:07,710 --> 00:37:08,870
And here's the problem.

434
00:37:10,070 --> 00:37:15,490
That kind of bullying by the city administrator and her staff is part of the problem.

435
00:37:16,190 --> 00:37:20,890
The council who is underpaid is a bigger part of the problem.

436
00:37:21,410 --> 00:37:25,610
Your eagerness to get done and go on your vacation is a part of the problem.

437
00:37:26,370 --> 00:37:29,070
NDC is part of the problem, but they're also the answer.

438
00:37:29,870 --> 00:37:32,550
The co-op is part of the problem, and they are part of the answer.

439
00:37:33,810 --> 00:37:35,250
That has to be recognized.

440
00:37:35,250 --> 00:37:46,630
The mediation has to end, amlicably, without one side having more strong opposition than the other side.

441
00:37:48,110 --> 00:37:52,270
We need to heal this division, okay?

442
00:37:53,110 --> 00:37:58,750
The way you don't include Jarrett, he sits there, because he's the only one who has the temerity to say no to you.

443
00:37:58,750 --> 00:38:01,490
and basically you're getting up on this looks terrible.

444
00:38:02,090 --> 00:38:08,390
You guys look bad and we need to fix this government and the way we can fix this government

445
00:38:08,390 --> 00:38:10,710
is through a recall if you won't fix it.

446
00:38:11,210 --> 00:38:17,930
We need to get the $200,000 plus salary chopped in half of the city manager and give the

447
00:38:17,930 --> 00:38:23,270
other $80,000 to $100,000 to the mayor so it's a full time job and they can work alongside

448
00:38:23,270 --> 00:38:24,370
the city manager.

449
00:38:24,370 --> 00:38:39,880
And the council people, thank you, and the council people also need to be paid an adequate salary in the 40 to $60,000 range, so that people who don't have the means like me can run for the council.

450
00:38:40,300 --> 00:38:46,480
And they can also work in the city with the staff because they obviously bring expertise to the table.

451
00:38:47,060 --> 00:38:50,980
But the expertise that none of you have is in planning and zoning.

452
00:38:50,980 --> 00:38:57,200
I mean, if you would take that other lot and you were in Montgomery County, that would be considered a major subdivision.

453
00:38:57,320 --> 00:38:59,060
You would have to go through the entire process.

454
00:38:59,460 --> 00:39:04,800
But you're not, you're a little fiefdom and you can block me from having a table because you're afraid of the truth.

455
00:39:05,820 --> 00:39:11,940
And you need to change, this council needs to change, this administration needs to change, you need to be gone.

456
00:39:12,160 --> 00:39:14,460
You don't live in the city and you raise our taxes and you want to work with me.

457
00:39:14,460 --> 00:39:18,660
I just, I know you had some slides and I gave you five minutes.

458
00:39:18,660 --> 00:39:19,820
Would you like, put them up, I'm sorry.

459
00:39:20,120 --> 00:39:22,460
We're going to put them up now, but I just, when I came up, yeah.

460
00:39:22,720 --> 00:39:23,420
Yeah, okay.

461
00:39:23,600 --> 00:39:25,980
I just, I gave you the five minutes and you have two and a half minutes left.

462
00:39:26,140 --> 00:39:27,400
I just really, you'd love to see it.

463
00:39:27,780 --> 00:39:30,640
I already went over the line that I've made four different plans.

464
00:39:31,660 --> 00:39:34,220
I've circulated them, they're solution plans.

465
00:39:34,460 --> 00:39:35,740
They're not exactly what I want folks.

466
00:39:35,960 --> 00:39:39,480
What I want, after we get the new council and the charter change,

467
00:39:39,980 --> 00:39:43,600
what I want is we, all of us, pull our resources

468
00:39:43,600 --> 00:39:47,920
with the $2 million that the co-op has, and we developed that site.

469
00:39:48,360 --> 00:39:50,320
You all remember what happened in Silver Spring with the carpet?

470
00:39:50,820 --> 00:39:53,760
The carpet that we all played on had a blast on?

471
00:39:54,400 --> 00:39:57,600
That was temporary, and they put something up there that wasn't quite as good.

472
00:39:58,340 --> 00:39:59,920
At the same time, Discovery had to put a-

473
00:40:00,000 --> 00:40:27,460
We need a park, but they put a fence around it, and nobody used it except the homeless. We need a green carpet. We need to be able to play, dance, sing, and have fun, and be to come a park. And this representation here, except for Jared Smith and his resolution, is not that. We want that. We want to wait. There's no hurry. Why are you so eager to do it now when it can be done in September? Thank you.

474
00:40:27,460 --> 00:40:28,000
All

475
00:40:35,780 --> 00:40:42,980
right, the next three people are Carter Dirty, Emmy, and Debra Sekerman.

476
00:40:52,730 --> 00:40:56,150
This is Zeb. He wants to talk to, but he'll have to wait.

477
00:40:57,470 --> 00:41:02,770
My name is Carter Dirty, Sixth Crescent Place in Ward 1, Neil Cohen, Columbia Avenue, Ward 3.

478
00:41:03,790 --> 00:41:11,290
I last wore my resistance t-shirt to a demonstration against ICE last week when they started snatching people off of the street.

479
00:41:11,290 --> 00:41:16,790
blocks away from all souls, Unitarian Church.

480
00:41:18,030 --> 00:41:21,270
I hope that's one thing we can agree to resist on.

481
00:41:23,490 --> 00:41:39,950
In the future when the rain falls and when it storms, I hope you think not of the runoff from the impermeable ugly to comb a junction, but instead think of better storm water management, leads certification, a green roof, and maybe holding up inside a restaurant while you wait for the storm to pass.

482
00:41:41,430 --> 00:41:46,250
Like former mayor Bruce Williams said once right up here it will pass.

483
00:41:46,630 --> 00:41:51,510
We will go on after this and continue a great life here in Tacoma Park.

484
00:41:52,010 --> 00:41:54,330
That said this is not in the end of the line.

485
00:41:54,950 --> 00:42:00,550
You are making an extremely important strategic decision here but there's still much to be

486
00:42:00,550 --> 00:42:02,810
carried through to see this through the completion.

487
00:42:03,570 --> 00:42:06,150
So far you have done a fantastic job.

488
00:42:06,150 --> 00:42:08,850
job. You have shown the patience of job.

489
00:42:21,080 --> 00:42:24,920
For now, all we ask that you do is simply say yes

490
00:42:24,920 --> 00:42:30,380
on the primary resolution, get this underway, approve the site plan, and let's move on

491
00:42:30,380 --> 00:42:30,780
with life.

492
00:42:41,040 --> 00:42:48,760
Zav, what do you want to say? At this time, in the interest of civility and time

493
00:42:48,760 --> 00:42:53,900
and respecting this council's prerogative to actually listen and get work done, we would

494
00:42:53,900 --> 00:42:59,720
I would like to ask everyone here who is here tonight, who is in support of the Council's site plan.

495
00:42:59,940 --> 00:43:03,040
To please stand up at this time and show the council your support.

496
00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:17,880
I got it.

497
00:43:19,350 --> 00:43:20,110
I'm with the end.

498
00:43:20,230 --> 00:43:21,170
All right, thank you.

499
00:43:21,530 --> 00:43:27,770
We'd like to close by thanking the city manager.

500
00:43:28,250 --> 00:43:33,550
Excuse me, excuse me, we'd like to close by thanking our public servants for

501
00:43:33,550 --> 00:43:39,390
For over four years of this process of tireless listening and of changes to this plan, this is

502
00:43:39,390 --> 00:43:40,690
not something that's been pushed through.

503
00:43:40,970 --> 00:43:44,790
We'd like to thank the Council, all of the Council for their persistence in the prior

504
00:43:44,790 --> 00:43:45,170
councils.

505
00:43:45,450 --> 00:43:49,910
And we'd like to thank the rest of the city staff who has worked tirelessly to answer the

506
00:43:49,910 --> 00:43:54,390
number of questions that have been brought forth in a thoughtful manner on the website

507
00:43:54,390 --> 00:43:57,390
with facts, not just with slogan-ears, slogan-earing.

508
00:43:57,730 --> 00:43:59,830
So thank you, and let's move this forward.

509
00:44:00,170 --> 00:44:00,610
Thank you.

510
00:44:11,920 --> 00:44:20,680
Hello, my name is Emma Brown. I'm a ward 2 resident. I'm 10 years old. I was born in Tacoma Park and I attend our public school.

511
00:44:21,500 --> 00:44:29,580
I feel that we should follow through on this junction project and will bring prosperity to our small businesses and community.

512
00:44:29,580 --> 00:44:34,720
It is an opportunity for a beloved town to come apart prosper and should not be seen

513
00:44:34,720 --> 00:44:37,920
as a rivalry for other businesses, beloved as they may be to us.

514
00:44:38,620 --> 00:44:40,920
Nor should it be a rivalry among the star cells.

515
00:44:41,620 --> 00:44:46,100
While not all of you agree with me, I sincerely believe that it is an idea for the best and will

516
00:44:46,100 --> 00:44:49,620
help our town continue to develop as a vibrant town should.

517
00:44:50,020 --> 00:44:55,240
I hope you take the suggestions seriously as we the children will inherit this town and

518
00:44:55,240 --> 00:44:57,720
we are ready to feel the winds of change upon their backs.

519
00:44:57,720 --> 00:44:59,720
Mayor councilmembers citizens

520
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:02,780
Thank you for your time and your cooperation.

521
00:45:15,630 --> 00:45:40,410
So what do they say? Don't follow animals or children? My name is Deborah Zuckerman. I live on Poplar Avenue and Ward 3. I'm really proud to live in a city that is supportive of affordable housing, but I'm not proud to live in a city that's using the current project plan to fund that initiative.

522
00:45:40,410 --> 00:45:54,490
And the reason I'm, I feel that way is in part because of something, because I really feel that the, the project is currently proposed is actually going to perpetuate segregation in the city.

523
00:45:55,670 --> 00:46:06,770
I'm paraphrasing Council Member Circe, if I remember correctly when you were on COJO show, you said that relatively few of your constituents go to the junction currently.

524
00:46:06,770 --> 00:46:13,790
I don't think anyone on the Council can seriously say that they think that's going to change

525
00:46:14,190 --> 00:46:16,870
if the current plan goes forward.

526
00:46:18,110 --> 00:46:24,550
The other basis for my concern is a conversation I had with another Council member who pretty

527
00:46:24,550 --> 00:46:32,270
much said that, and I'm paraphrasing, but I think I'm being true to the comment that most

528
00:46:32,270 --> 00:46:49,270
Just low income and minority people in Tacoma Park shop on New Hampshire Avenue and Langley Park, and that people in other parts of the city don't want those kinds of stores at the junction.

529
00:46:50,170 --> 00:46:56,030
And that view, I believe, is really an inappropriate view.

530
00:46:56,030 --> 00:47:12,530
In fact, based on my circumstances and my taste, I'm actually much more likely to shop on New Hampshire Avenue and Langley Park than I am to shop at the retail establishments that are likely to go into the New Junction Project.

531
00:47:13,190 --> 00:47:25,310
And a view that both those views I believe are really going to be detrimental because they will perpetuate racial and economic segregation

532
00:47:25,310 --> 00:47:40,250
in this city, and that's too high of a cost to pay, by generating income to support a lot of the goal of affordable housing, but not at that cost.

533
00:47:46,810 --> 00:47:51,370
Thank you, can I have Alex Baca, Sally Kern, and Beth cover?

534
00:47:53,950 --> 00:47:55,130
Is Alex here?

535
00:47:55,470 --> 00:47:56,390
Yeah, I Alex.

536
00:48:06,590 --> 00:48:09,910
Apologies for bringing my laptop up here, you all have so much to say.

537
00:48:11,030 --> 00:48:15,790
Good evening, my name is Alex Baca, and I am testifying on behalf of the Coalition for

538
00:48:15,790 --> 00:48:16,330
Smarter Growth.

539
00:48:16,870 --> 00:48:21,270
We are the leading organization in the Washington, D.C. region dedicated to advocating for more

540
00:48:21,270 --> 00:48:23,050
inclusive and accessible places.

541
00:48:24,910 --> 00:48:29,470
We also advocate for the land use and the transportation policies and investments needed to make those

542
00:48:29,470 --> 00:48:30,370
places flourish.

543
00:48:31,070 --> 00:48:36,490
CSG wishes to express its support for this agenda item, the resolution regarding the Supplement

544
00:48:38,970 --> 00:48:43,410
We urge this city to adopt the resolution and to quickly begin the implementation of

545
00:48:43,410 --> 00:48:44,030
this project.

546
00:48:44,350 --> 00:48:48,970
We support this low scale to serve project as currently proposed, because it replaces

547
00:48:48,970 --> 00:48:52,850
a surface parking lot that would be subject to updated stormwater management, which will

548
00:48:52,850 --> 00:48:56,830
improve water quality, and a community as progressive as to come up park, I am sure we can all agree

549
00:48:56,830 --> 00:48:58,170
that climate change is real.

550
00:48:58,690 --> 00:49:02,910
If you've looked outside in the past few days, perhaps you, like me, have thought about how

551
00:49:02,910 --> 00:49:07,990
But this kind of weather is only going to get worse and more intense, which will lead to greater stormwater management issues.

552
00:49:08,650 --> 00:49:15,170
It integrates the TPSS co-op, which is a car-oriented stand-alone site, into a row shops along a public sidewalk

553
00:49:15,170 --> 00:49:17,870
that will better welcome TPSS visitors on foot.

554
00:49:18,630 --> 00:49:25,550
It will strengthen the financial viability of businesses at the Comma Junction and create a stronger commercial node

555
00:49:25,550 --> 00:49:29,790
by filling in a dead space with active storefronts and places that are pleasant to walk.

556
00:49:29,790 --> 00:49:33,170
It will provide local employment opportunities for city residents.

557
00:49:33,650 --> 00:49:40,210
It will generate revenue for the city to provide public benefits, such as perhaps more affordable housing and diversify the tax base.

558
00:49:40,730 --> 00:49:42,910
It will improve traffic safety by slowing down drivers.

559
00:49:43,470 --> 00:49:45,690
Drivers slowed down, sorry,

560
00:49:50,760 --> 00:49:52,060
I'm sorry, please.

561
00:49:53,020 --> 00:49:57,300
Apparently, as difficult as it may be for many of you in this room to believe,

562
00:49:57,300 --> 00:49:59,820
Divers slow down when they have more visual cues.

563
00:50:00,080 --> 00:50:05,660
Like seeing people in foot, walking, shopping, and engaging with their city. I don't, excuse me, please.

564
00:50:08,740 --> 00:50:15,560
As a person who rides a bike for transportation, I don't take this comment lately and I make this in very serious good faith. Thank you.

565
00:50:17,320 --> 00:50:27,200
If crossing St. Morrison Park, just across the street are enhanced, that in itself can become a more usable public space. And that's a great opportunity that I would urge you to think about.

566
00:50:27,200 --> 00:50:34,900
The coalition for spreader growth encourages a more affordable, healthier, and more sustainable region by supporting projects like this one across the region.

567
00:50:35,160 --> 00:50:42,200
What happens in Tacoma Park does impact what happens in the region overall, and who has the ability to live here.

568
00:50:42,680 --> 00:50:45,380
That's why I'm here to testify tonight in support of this resolution.

569
00:50:45,840 --> 00:50:56,440
But also on behalf of my organization, I would like to note that we do think this project is a tremendous missed opportunity to make Tacoma Park more inclusive by building mixed income housing on top of ground floor retail.

570
00:50:57,960 --> 00:51:00,040
One second, I have to change formats.

571
00:51:03,920 --> 00:51:07,920
We would hope that a project like this one would help an increasingly expensive and

572
00:51:07,920 --> 00:51:11,260
in demand community become more inclusive with more housing choices.

573
00:51:11,940 --> 00:51:14,720
And we would like something that further reduces traffic, air pollution, and

574
00:51:14,720 --> 00:51:19,280
greenhouse gas emissions from new housing opportunities that are doing more people to

575
00:51:19,280 --> 00:51:21,500
live near stores and walk to major transit services.

576
00:51:21,940 --> 00:51:26,460
Making the development even smaller than the current proposal would only exacerbate these missed opportunities.

577
00:51:26,920 --> 00:51:33,300
We are extremely disappointed that the city is no longer considering any housing opportunities for the many people who would like to live here.

578
00:51:33,900 --> 00:51:40,360
Like you, there are many people who wish they could live here and shop at local stores and enjoy the farmers, market, and festivals and walk to Metro,

579
00:51:40,840 --> 00:51:43,520
whether those shops are at Tacoma Junction or on New Hampshire Avenue.

580
00:51:44,840 --> 00:51:51,600
We urge the city and residents to consider how they make where you live, more inclusive of the many people who would like the opportunity to live here.

581
00:51:52,040 --> 00:51:52,360
Thank you.

582
00:51:52,360 --> 00:51:53,180
Thank you.

583
00:51:53,360 --> 00:51:54,020
All

584
00:51:57,990 --> 00:51:58,130
right.

585
00:51:58,390 --> 00:52:03,290
Next you had Sally Kern and then Beth Cover and then Jeff Trunzo.

586
00:52:13,270 --> 00:52:15,090
Sally Kern, Ward 2.

587
00:52:16,630 --> 00:52:23,290
Dear council member Smith, thank you for introducing your alternative resolution to postpone the

588
00:52:23,290 --> 00:52:25,930
vote on NDC's combined site plan.

589
00:52:30,300 --> 00:52:38,160
I urge the mayor and all city councils to stand with you and vote to postpone until residents

590
00:52:38,160 --> 00:52:45,460
like me and all of us feel secure that we have fully vetted the full negative impact

591
00:52:45,680 --> 00:52:55,300
of the combined site plan on pedestrian, cyclist and transit user safety. I don't need to remind you

592
00:52:55,300 --> 00:53:03,840
all that these negative impacts on pedestrian, cyclist and transit users will disproportionately

593
00:53:03,840 --> 00:53:06,860
Unfortunately, affect people of color.

594
00:53:07,680 --> 00:53:16,020
They will disproportionately affect neighborhood children on their roots to school and on their

595
00:53:16,020 --> 00:53:22,720
roots to Blair cluster neighborhood bus stops like the high school bus stop in the junction

596
00:53:22,720 --> 00:53:24,680
at the corner of Lee and Carol.

597
00:53:25,460 --> 00:53:33,560
I am only a concerned parent watchdog, not a traffic expert, but I have grave concerns

598
00:53:33,560 --> 00:53:41,380
about the basic health and safety trade-offs our council and mayor are about to trigger

599
00:53:41,380 --> 00:53:42,340
into motion.

600
00:53:43,020 --> 00:53:53,260
Our city has spent $42,500 to date on a 99-page traffic study and I'm sure NDC has paid

601
00:53:53,260 --> 00:54:00,040
the traffic group handsomely for their 201-page traffic impact analysis.

602
00:54:00,040 --> 00:54:08,300
I don't understand how a novice mom like me can do a cursory read through of 300 pages

603
00:54:08,300 --> 00:54:15,200
of traffic studies, watch a couple hours of city work sessions, and come away with a

604
00:54:15,200 --> 00:54:21,900
startling number of red flags concerning the traffic studies methodology, considerations,

605
00:54:22,400 --> 00:54:23,120
and results.

606
00:54:23,120 --> 00:54:30,660
I've compiled 12 pages of negative impact so far, and I have only scratched the surface.

607
00:54:31,340 --> 00:54:38,980
I am laying the groundwork to work directly with you, or for going directly to Christopher

608
00:54:38,980 --> 00:54:45,700
Bishop, our district's community liaison at SHA, if it's a yes vote.

609
00:54:46,420 --> 00:54:51,420
I'd rather work with you directly instead of bypassing you.

610
00:54:51,420 --> 00:54:55,660
Beware the mother bear with cubs.

611
00:55:02,960 --> 00:55:29,200
Aye, aye, will fight to protect the safety of their own. Please stand with council member Smith tonight and vote for his alternative resolution to postpone the vote and keep every single resident of Tacoma Park safe.

612
00:55:30,940 --> 00:55:31,540
My

613
00:55:41,880 --> 00:55:45,880
name is Beth Culver and I live on Manor Soccer on the Ward 2.

614
00:55:46,680 --> 00:55:51,640
I just wanted to bring the perspective of having worked at Springwell Bakery for a while.

615
00:55:52,300 --> 00:55:59,000
That corner is a place where my son and many kids walk and I'm still actively concerned

616
00:55:59,000 --> 00:55:59,960
about the traffic.

617
00:56:00,680 --> 00:56:07,880
I would love for us to just hold off and wait for more, like, not more studies but just

618
00:56:07,880 --> 00:56:11,340
more comprehensive plan that would address the dangers of that corner.

619
00:56:11,940 --> 00:56:14,740
I've seen the crossing guards on many occasions,

620
00:56:15,300 --> 00:56:22,180
yell at cars as well as actually stop the kids from crossing into a road with a car that will go through red lights.

621
00:56:22,660 --> 00:56:30,760
I don't necessarily think that a development will stop that particular problem as well as aggravating some of the other traffic issues.

622
00:56:31,360 --> 00:56:43,820
So I just wanted to thank the community to come apart, I've been here for six years and I'm really glad that I live in a city that I can come up here and speak to my city council about my views and I appreciate giving them consideration.

623
00:56:44,380 --> 00:56:45,080
Thank you very much.

624
00:56:52,820 --> 00:56:59,580
Jeff Trunzo, Sherman Avenue, Ward 3, mayor, council member and city staff.

625
00:57:00,280 --> 00:57:02,760
Tonight my statement is going to be a little bit different.

626
00:57:02,960 --> 00:57:10,420
I'm not speaking solely for myself, but I'm speaking for Howard Cone and Seth Grimes who

627
00:57:10,420 --> 00:57:15,380
were co-chair of the Tacoma Junction Task Force and myself who was the co-secretary.

628
00:57:16,640 --> 00:57:21,420
We ask the Tacoma Park City Council to vote in favor of the resolution regarding the

629
00:57:21,420 --> 00:57:27,500
to Comma Junction Site Plan, authorizing neighborhood development company to submit the project

630
00:57:27,500 --> 00:57:30,060
site plan for Montgomery County Planning Approval.

631
00:57:30,980 --> 00:57:36,760
We believe the Decoma Junction redevelopment process, as recommended by the Decoma Junction

632
00:57:36,760 --> 00:57:43,940
Task Force, implemented by the 2013 to 2015 City Council, and continued by subsequent

633
00:57:43,940 --> 00:57:45,960
councils, is on track.

634
00:57:45,960 --> 00:57:49,160
The site plans propose building height,

635
00:57:49,900 --> 00:57:59,500
massing, setback, public space are within range to advance this project to planning review.

636
00:57:59,980 --> 00:58:04,940
Where further design changes may be identified and addressed along with related points,

637
00:58:05,140 --> 00:58:07,520
such as junction roadway configuration.

638
00:58:08,140 --> 00:58:12,170
We are confident that accommodations for

639
00:58:12,170 --> 00:58:20,810
Comma Park, Silver Spring Co-op, operations and growth can and will be satisfactorily concluded within the current process.

640
00:58:21,590 --> 00:58:26,030
Please vote in favor of the site plan and reject further project delay.

641
00:58:26,670 --> 00:58:29,630
Respectfully Howard Cohn, Seth Grounds, and Jeff Trunzo.

642
00:58:38,850 --> 00:58:41,450
Laura Barclay with the old Tacoma Business Association.

643
00:58:42,190 --> 00:58:44,770
I'm here to read a statement from the Board of Directors.

644
00:58:45,150 --> 00:58:48,950
The Board of Directors, the old Tacoma Business Association would like to thank the Mayor,

645
00:58:48,950 --> 00:58:53,730
City Council and City staff for the thorough and thoughtful work on the Decoma Junction

646
00:58:53,730 --> 00:58:58,090
Development Project over the past four years. We appreciate that the process has provided

647
00:58:58,090 --> 00:59:02,450
many opportunities for input and discussion and recognize the council's consideration

648
00:59:02,450 --> 00:59:07,330
of the project's many stakeholders and community input. We believe that this project will provide

649
00:59:07,330 --> 00:59:11,990
economic activity to an underutilized piece of land in part of our commercial district that could

650
00:59:11,990 --> 00:59:17,130
use a boost. It will also provide the density and additional activity which will benefit all

651
00:59:17,130 --> 00:59:20,530
businesses on the block. We ask that you vote to pass the proposed

652
00:59:20,530 --> 00:59:24,070
original resolution and move forward with the project with no further delays.

653
00:59:24,370 --> 00:59:24,630
Thank you.

654
00:59:31,350 --> 00:59:35,070
Great. Just a reminder, we do have the overflow room in the

655
00:59:35,070 --> 00:59:39,490
azalea room and we have child care for one more hour.

656
00:59:40,510 --> 00:59:43,950
And the hydrangea room. Oh, and the hydrangea room is also set up

657
00:59:43,950 --> 00:59:49,210
if you want to sit there. Next we have Billy Cutler, Una,

658
00:59:49,210 --> 00:59:50,790
Kettering and Lisa Buddha.

659
01:00:09,870 --> 01:00:39,550
Hello, my name is William Colter. I'm a 20-year resident this month of Ward 3 and a former member of the Tacoma Junction Task Force. It was a privilege to dedicate a year and a half of my time to studying this little slice of our community. There's been an awful lot of talk about the proposed development, but I've noticed one thing has been lacking from the discourse. That is gratitude. Gratitude for a mayor and a city council who have given us a

660
01:00:39,550 --> 01:00:43,770
transparent and honest process to choose how this land will be developed.

661
01:00:44,270 --> 01:00:49,990
Whether or not you like the proposed plan, a level playing field was provided for all to participate.

662
01:00:50,630 --> 01:00:57,710
There has been no evidence of the type of back room deals with money changing hands that I'm sure happens often in other communities.

663
01:00:58,570 --> 01:01:04,510
Gratitude for an experienced professional developer to take on the many challenges this project faces.

664
01:01:05,110 --> 01:01:11,290
not the least of which is the environmental remediation that must take place at their expense.

665
01:01:11,950 --> 01:01:16,210
NDC has been patient and cooperative in what has become a tense and

666
01:01:16,210 --> 01:01:21,070
embattled situation. I should note that the local developers, the task force, spoke to,

667
01:01:21,350 --> 01:01:24,790
were not at all interested in taking on this venture.

668
01:01:27,360 --> 01:01:33,220
Gratitude that the wishes of a popular local business, the co-op, are being considered.

669
01:01:33,220 --> 01:01:41,480
And to that point, I believe that the amount of effort and expense the city has put forth to accommodate a single private entity is unprecedented.

670
01:01:42,180 --> 01:01:52,060
Moreover, I would be remiss if I did not mention that the co-op was probably the first business in town to learn that development was being considered on the city lot.

671
01:01:52,820 --> 01:01:57,600
Armed with this foreknowledge, did they act expediently to secure ownership of their building?

672
01:01:57,600 --> 01:02:03,480
Did they put together a feasible proposal to develop the property and deliver it in a timely manner?

673
01:02:04,180 --> 01:02:11,900
Or have they encouraged what amounts to civic uprising to try and stem the process of the selected winner of the development bid?

674
01:02:13,220 --> 01:02:13,820
Yeah,

675
01:02:20,540 --> 01:02:26,760
in closing, I'm grateful that residents are able to come here and express their opinions openly.

676
01:02:27,180 --> 01:02:31,420
But I am also somewhat embarrassed by the extreme actions I've seen lately.

677
01:02:31,420 --> 01:02:36,700
It is my sincere hope that the opponents to this development will pause and recognize

678
01:02:36,700 --> 01:02:41,500
that this process has been more than fair to the co-op and that the city government understands

679
01:02:41,500 --> 01:02:46,820
your concerns about traffic, environment, and quality of life and trust they will be treated

680
01:02:46,820 --> 01:02:47,960
with deserving respect.

681
01:02:48,380 --> 01:02:48,740
Thank you.

682
01:02:59,810 --> 01:03:06,750
So to council members, my name is Una Kettering and I've lived in Tacoma Park for over 38

683
01:03:06,750 --> 01:03:07,430
years.

684
01:03:08,410 --> 01:03:15,450
I am here tonight to ask you, to first say thank you for what you are doing and what you

685
01:03:15,450 --> 01:03:21,750
have done, but to ask you to consider the alternative proposal by Jert Smith.

686
01:03:22,290 --> 01:03:30,090
In light of our, let us think of the safety of the future, our children and grandchildren.

687
01:03:30,890 --> 01:03:36,070
Let us think of racial equity and what kind of the commerce park we want.

688
01:03:36,070 --> 01:03:44,150
not just for a few, but for all of us. Please do the right thing and consider Jarrett Smith

689
01:03:44,150 --> 01:03:45,930
proposal. Thank you.

690
01:03:55,550 --> 01:04:02,510
Hi, I'm Lisa Badett from Sigmore Avenue. Firstly, would everyone in support of Jarrett

691
01:04:02,510 --> 01:04:05,490
Smith's alternative resolution please stand?

692
01:04:19,560 --> 01:04:22,920
I am in favor of Councilmember Smith's alternative

693
01:04:22,920 --> 01:04:26,960
resolution and urge the Council to second his resolution and delay the vote on the NDC

694
01:04:26,960 --> 01:04:33,540
site plan until it reaches a form that engenders greater community cohesion than is currently

695
01:04:33,540 --> 01:04:40,600
apparent. Thank you, Madam Mayor and City Council, for your patience with this long process.

696
01:04:41,120 --> 01:04:47,440
But I beg your patience a little longer and give the process a chance to correct itself and catch up

697
01:04:47,440 --> 01:04:54,620
with where it should be by now. As a vote for the current NDC proposal feels extremely premature.

698
01:04:54,620 --> 01:04:59,900
You have provided many responses to the community, but if the community

699
01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:09,340
Senator Kennedy felt that their concerns were actually being heard. Would there be so many people here this evening when it's pouring cats and dogs?

700
01:05:12,180 --> 01:05:30,440
Okay, the mediation with the co-op should have started from the outset when there was first a clear problem, and not just recently. There is as of yet no clarity on the Tacoma Junction Intersection

701
01:05:32,680 --> 01:05:37,220
Reconfiguration. Infrastructure must precede development or it will fail miserably.

702
01:05:37,880 --> 01:05:47,040
The corollary that development must be right-sized for the existing and planned infrastructure is also true.

703
01:05:49,490 --> 01:05:54,970
We recently had an example of what happens, kind of an example in miniature of what happens

704
01:05:57,030 --> 01:06:05,490
when business pressures are put on local businesses at Capital City Cheesecake, now confectionery.

705
01:06:06,290 --> 01:06:12,890
There were a lot of young people who lost their jobs in that reconfiguration,

706
01:06:13,730 --> 01:06:16,630
which was not the first choice of the business owners.

707
01:06:18,290 --> 01:06:24,710
An expensive and oversized development leaves less room for businesses to have some wiggle room

708
01:06:24,710 --> 01:06:26,570
and hire our local youth.

709
01:06:27,110 --> 01:06:35,130
Small business incubators and pop-ups like the our house that I gave you a letter about could provide a way forward.

710
01:06:35,610 --> 01:06:45,970
We need a creative solution to build something that goes hand in hand with the inclusiveness that's apparent in things like the community kitchen.

711
01:06:49,370 --> 01:06:56,490
Control, a public property is a treasure and control of it should not be relinquished cavalierly.

712
01:06:57,630 --> 01:07:00,510
Please second and vote for the alternative resolution.

713
01:07:00,850 --> 01:07:01,090
Thank you.

714
01:07:06,270 --> 01:07:11,070
Next up, could we please have Cynthia Morelle, Ron Davies, and Nadine Block?

715
01:07:20,510 --> 01:07:22,650
Good evening, my name is Cynthia Mariel.

716
01:07:22,650 --> 01:07:32,770
I agree with Council Member Terry Siemens that the views of ward 4 residents are important.

717
01:07:33,370 --> 01:07:38,750
I would expand that to say the views of all residents in all wards are important.

718
01:07:40,110 --> 01:07:42,830
Democracy is civic engagement.

719
01:07:43,870 --> 01:07:52,570
Democracy is meeting with neighbors new and old, talking with them and engaging in political

720
01:07:54,310 --> 01:08:00,990
I'm sure Mr. Siemens would not disagree, nor would people in this auditorium.

721
01:08:02,230 --> 01:08:05,910
Promoting democracy is not only an act of service.

722
01:08:07,170 --> 01:08:12,050
Engaging in democratic action is an act of an empowerment.

723
01:08:12,850 --> 01:08:22,210
It is a step along the process of empowerment that ideally ends with engaging and going to the polls and voting.

724
01:08:22,210 --> 01:08:27,110
and eventually sitting here on this council.

725
01:08:28,730 --> 01:08:38,490
When only 195 residents of Ward 4 vote to elect the winner of the Ward 4 council seat,

726
01:08:39,110 --> 01:08:47,150
then all of us would have to agree that a great deal of democratic engagement and empowerment

727
01:08:47,150 --> 01:08:59,250
work still remains to be done. Council, I urge you to join Mr. Smith to support the alternative,

728
01:08:59,610 --> 01:09:05,710
the intelligent resolution, and to vote yes on this resolution. Thank you.

729
01:09:13,430 --> 01:09:21,850
Ron Davies, Ward 3. There is a serious problem at this point. Most of the council and the mayor have

730
01:09:21,850 --> 01:09:26,290
have made no efforts to find out with the total voting population to come apart really

731
01:09:26,290 --> 01:09:28,810
thinks about this ill-advised current plan.

732
01:09:29,410 --> 01:09:35,190
Just holding council meetings with three-minute statements by the public allowed, or a one-on-one

733
01:09:35,190 --> 01:09:39,990
session with a council member, is a poor substitute for an official random referendum.

734
01:09:40,490 --> 01:09:45,610
It is obvious the only folks who show up to either a council meeting, or a one-on-one, are

735
01:09:45,610 --> 01:09:47,330
strong partisans on either side.

736
01:09:47,330 --> 01:09:52,350
In fact, the purest majority of the electorate is against the current plan, but we do not know.

737
01:09:52,810 --> 01:09:57,350
It seems that you are determined to make sure we never find out, which can only be done

738
01:09:57,350 --> 01:09:58,130
through a referendum.

739
01:09:58,530 --> 01:09:59,970
Why are you afraid of...

740
01:10:00,000 --> 01:10:25,700
We have a referendum. At a minimum, council member Smith's resolution should be passed tonight, not the original resolution. We do know there is an addition to those of us who have already made our opposition to the current plain-known, a list of current businesses in the Tacoma Junction area who are also against it. The last time someone attempted to read this list, she was shouted down. Okay, the list includes quite a few people.

741
01:10:25,700 --> 01:10:31,600
The old town business association is in favor of the development of the time, but

742
01:10:31,600 --> 01:10:34,280
that people actually after the junction have a different view.

743
01:10:34,960 --> 01:10:39,720
They include Rick and Bernita Leonard, heritage building and renovation incorporated,

744
01:10:40,300 --> 01:10:48,200
Suds Laundromat, 7334 Carol Avenue, Eric Zeppler, kinetic artistry, 7216 Carol Avenue,

745
01:10:48,200 --> 01:10:56,060
Katheryn Rurka, Spring Mill Bread Company, 7300 Carol Avenue, Mark Schneider, Urban High

746
01:10:56,060 --> 01:11:08,200
Fire, LLC, 736 Carol Avenue, Paul H, Salone 2000, 7300 Carol Avenue, Joanne Carey,

747
01:11:08,380 --> 01:11:15,420
Tacoma Park Animal Clinic, 7300 Carol Avenue, Mark Howard, Tacoma Framers, 73002 Carol Avenue,

748
01:11:15,420 --> 01:11:20,980
Harresh Lahari, Tacoma Postal and Business Center, 7304, Carol Avenue.

749
01:11:21,640 --> 01:11:28,140
Kendra Blackett-Dabina, Bikram Yoga, Tacoma Park, 7324, Carol Avenue.

750
01:11:28,840 --> 01:11:32,960
Steven Cho, Carriage House Cleaners, 7308, Carol Avenue.

751
01:11:33,580 --> 01:11:38,240
Bruce and Inan Phillips, Healy Surgeons, 7311, Carol Avenue.

752
01:11:38,240 --> 01:11:46,660
Nassoudak Amen, ND, Wisdom Path Healing Center, Purple Mountain Organics, 7-1-2-0 Carol Avenue,

753
01:11:47,220 --> 01:11:52,960
D. Dolly, RS Automotive, Incorporated, 7-2-2-0 Carol Avenue, Rachel Hardwick, President

754
01:11:53,480 --> 01:11:55,040
Togomal Park, Saurastrin, COA.

755
01:11:55,800 --> 01:12:00,980
Okay, stand with that, there's only one more thing to say, referendum now,

756
01:12:07,180 --> 01:12:07,900
referendum

757
01:12:07,900 --> 01:12:11,920
I'm now, referendum now, referendum now.

758
01:12:24,440 --> 01:12:30,180
I wasn't actually going to speak tonight because so much has been said, but I do think it might be helpful to share with you my thoughts.

759
01:12:30,840 --> 01:12:36,040
Prompted by Keith Coslov comment that I shouldn't be concerned about the fate of a small parking lot.

760
01:12:36,400 --> 01:12:39,300
It is not about the fate of a small parking lot.

761
01:12:39,660 --> 01:12:41,580
By the way, my name is Nadine, I'm in ward three.

762
01:12:42,180 --> 01:12:48,980
To me, and many of us, we are morally and ethically required to hold the line on further extractive corporate growth.

763
01:12:48,980 --> 01:12:53,960
in our fair town. We must stand on the shoulders of those who found it to come apart, kept the

764
01:12:53,960 --> 01:12:59,440
eight lane highway from dividing us, insisted on a nuclear free zone, sanctuary status, voting

765
01:12:59,440 --> 01:13:05,340
rights for non-U.S. citizens and 16-17 year olds, and more. We have been asked to hold the line.

766
01:13:05,780 --> 01:13:10,600
We've been asked by D.C. residents, by businesses who are owned and run by folks of color,

767
01:13:10,780 --> 01:13:16,020
by environmentalists, by folks who moved here for the racial and economic diversity. Our city says

768
01:13:16,020 --> 01:13:17,080
as it holds dear.

769
01:13:17,560 --> 01:13:20,480
I believe that giving this piece of public land away

770
01:13:20,480 --> 01:13:22,960
to a corporate developer for private gain

771
01:13:22,960 --> 01:13:25,900
is a serious affront to our community values.

772
01:13:26,420 --> 01:13:30,560
It will also cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars,

773
01:13:30,640 --> 01:13:34,240
if not millions simply to reconfigure the traffic patterns

774
01:13:34,240 --> 01:13:35,940
to make this possible at all.

775
01:13:36,280 --> 01:13:40,020
No one has explained where that money is coming from.

776
01:13:40,360 --> 01:13:43,320
I am afraid of the implications for years to come.

777
01:13:43,320 --> 01:13:50,160
I will continue to show my love for my home town by exercising my right to protest against

778
01:13:50,160 --> 01:13:53,440
individuals and policies that I believe that are harming my home town.

779
01:13:54,060 --> 01:14:00,040
Sometimes this might be interpreted as uncivil, but in spite of this obvious civil tone,

780
01:14:00,040 --> 01:14:04,820
simply because of a disagreement on tactics or principle, I believe in community values

781
01:14:04,820 --> 01:14:06,740
over corporate profits.

782
01:14:07,060 --> 01:14:12,400
And standing by, well, the City-elected exact contrary to this is not in my nature nor is

783
01:14:12,400 --> 01:14:16,160
it helpful to the city's residents, especially our lower income neighbors.

784
01:14:16,660 --> 01:14:18,880
Again, this is not about a small parking lot.

785
01:14:19,160 --> 01:14:23,200
We have massive infill development happening at the metro, where it should, and we have

786
01:14:23,200 --> 01:14:27,340
infill going to be happening around the purple line in New Hampshire, Avenue, quarter, where

787
01:14:27,340 --> 01:14:32,120
businesses are established, and we have transportation access improvements that are coming.

788
01:14:32,660 --> 01:14:34,820
And we should be supporting more businesses there.

789
01:14:35,420 --> 01:14:39,460
They're requesting it, as noted, fixing the failed intersection, which is going to cost

790
01:14:39,460 --> 01:14:41,100
us hundreds of thousands of dollars.

791
01:14:41,100 --> 01:14:44,900
and the State Highway Administration has not said that they'll pay for it.

792
01:14:45,020 --> 01:14:50,480
In fact, we know that there's more critical infrastructure on a decade's long waiting list.

793
01:14:50,940 --> 01:14:55,320
If this reconfiguring were to happen, it would be on Tacoma Park's dime eating any revenue

794
01:14:55,320 --> 01:14:56,460
that might come in.

795
01:14:56,700 --> 01:14:59,960
If this development doesn't go bankrupt, anyways, from the company.

796
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:29,980
Opposition, a mile away, and you're the Metro, or on the New Hampshire Avenue side. This money sink will effectively eliminate funds for supporting the progressive plans we say we value. So, we're a lot of us are mystified. Why do you seek to settle our city with hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs, simply to reconfigure traffic patterns that might only work for short time? Why can't we hear what you're going to do to address this financial concern? It's not hyperbole. This is about the heart and soul of Tacoma Park. If we don't hold our community values over corporate profits,

797
01:15:29,980 --> 01:15:32,760
It's now, we will lose to Coma Park that we love.

798
01:15:32,960 --> 01:15:33,000
Thank you.

799
01:15:43,880 --> 01:15:52,000
Sue Katzmiller, Maryam McDormand, and Xavier, and I'm going to really get your name wrong, last name wrong.

800
01:15:52,160 --> 01:15:52,380
Xavier.

801
01:15:52,840 --> 01:15:55,550
Are you there?

802
01:15:55,830 --> 01:15:55,970
Okay.

803
01:15:58,720 --> 01:16:00,380
So, this is it.

804
01:16:00,900 --> 01:16:01,920
Here we are.

805
01:16:04,020 --> 01:16:15,000
The county, whatever else happens with this plan, is not going to add in more public space for us to dance together and sing together and be a community together.

806
01:16:15,000 --> 01:16:21,780
together. The county, whatever else happens, is not going to concern itself with the fact

807
01:16:21,780 --> 01:16:28,120
that Kendra of Bikram Yoga just lost her bid to buy her building to a speculative DC

808
01:16:28,120 --> 01:16:34,300
developer as commercial gentrification takes off in anticipation of this development.

809
01:16:35,940 --> 01:16:40,760
We do have to wonder what the county is going to think about the safety of the lay-by and

810
01:16:40,760 --> 01:16:46,480
exit from the garage on a blind curve and the trucks backed up and worrying the fire chief.

811
01:16:47,660 --> 01:16:52,080
And we have to wonder what bank is going to want to finance a project that has been so

812
01:16:52,080 --> 01:16:58,880
passionately and consistently opposed by the community despite a very slick and often nasty

813
01:16:58,880 --> 01:17:06,320
pro-development PR campaign. And by the way, our support is broad and deep. This is our community

814
01:17:06,320 --> 01:17:10,860
and we are not going to disappear after tonight, no matter how the votes go.

815
01:17:17,750 --> 01:17:22,350
So for years now, we've been earnestly emailing, testifying, and signing petitions.

816
01:17:22,850 --> 01:17:29,750
At meetings here, week after week, you have listened to an overwhelming majority of diverse residents pleading with you to stop,

817
01:17:30,170 --> 01:17:35,470
including renters, junction workers, young people, architects, and small business owners.

818
01:17:35,470 --> 01:17:42,710
last week was not atypical with 30 speaking against the plan and zero speaking for it.

819
01:17:43,350 --> 01:17:47,990
Each week, we get bewildered residents who've never spoken at a council meeting before,

820
01:17:48,410 --> 01:17:53,930
just figuring out what's happening here, trying to understand why the city is promoting this development.

821
01:17:54,490 --> 01:18:00,650
And at each stage, we've been told to be patient that nothing has been decided yet to trust the process.

822
01:18:00,650 --> 01:18:09,230
But tonight, you, our mayor, you, our council members, can steer us to a better plan.

823
01:18:09,830 --> 01:18:13,970
Tonight, at the 11th hour, it's not too late to turn around.

824
01:18:14,790 --> 01:18:21,530
Tonight, we ask you to vote yes on the alternative resolution or no on the proposed site plan.

825
01:18:22,470 --> 01:18:27,670
These requests are not inflammatory nor divisive nor uncivil.

826
01:18:27,670 --> 01:18:36,490
Here in Tacoma Park, we ask questions, we organize and when necessary we resist from Lafayette Square to Tacoma Junction.

827
01:18:37,130 --> 01:18:40,530
This is the Tacoma Park we claim as our legacy.

828
01:18:41,230 --> 01:18:47,690
And so I offer you this flower of hope, hope for unity, hope for peace in our city.

829
01:18:48,150 --> 01:18:54,370
And as I do that, I ask all to stand who would say no to the proposed site plan.

830
01:18:54,370 --> 01:18:55,150
Hi,

831
01:19:31,670 --> 01:19:45,470
I'm Marion McDormand, I'm a 25-year resident, I live in Ward 5, and I would like to ask you to support the alternative item that Council Member Smith has put forward.

832
01:19:46,950 --> 01:19:56,310
I'm not against any kind of development at that parking lot site, but I think it should be smaller and more commensurate with the community.

833
01:19:57,710 --> 01:19:59,910
I also feel that there's an inherent

834
01:20:00,000 --> 01:20:28,480
We're at conflict of interest in having a commercial entity who will profit from the development, draw up the plans. Okay, neighborhood development company, if all this goes through, stands to profit from the development, right? So, of course, they're going to draw up a plan with maximizing their square footage, which will maximize their profit margins, you know? But that's not necessarily what the community wants.

835
01:20:28,480 --> 01:20:37,040
I think the city count and you know having lived in to go park for 25 years and more I've seen a number of projects come up like this

836
01:20:37,040 --> 01:20:43,460
Okay, and I think the the council should pass some kind of resolution that says if we're going to drop

837
01:20:43,460 --> 01:20:51,140
Plants for you know proposed new development. It should be with an independent architect or development firm that has no profit

838
01:20:52,000 --> 01:20:55,020
Potential profit from the project that

839
01:20:57,420 --> 01:20:58,920
has no skin in the game

840
01:21:00,180 --> 01:21:14,460
It would have been much better if, you know, at the beginning of this process, the City Council and the Mayor had hired an independent architect to drop different options for what this junction development could look like.

841
01:21:14,760 --> 01:21:23,740
And I think we would have ended up with plans that would be much more in character with the rest of the city and not, you know, making to come apart into Bethesda or DC.

842
01:21:24,440 --> 01:21:24,900
Thank you.

843
01:21:24,900 --> 01:21:25,880
Hello,

844
01:21:37,590 --> 01:21:43,750
my name is Xavier. I do live in Tacoma Park, Prince George County. I mean,

845
01:21:44,170 --> 01:21:51,050
do regret tonight not to be part of a city of Tacoma population when I see this kind

846
01:21:51,050 --> 01:21:57,150
of engagement. But you have to know that everything that is happening in the city of Tacoma

847
01:21:57,150 --> 01:22:03,290
is affecting us and many of our residents do participate in the fabric of the city

848
01:22:03,290 --> 01:22:14,470
of Tacoma in very often in artistic ways such as Raizome, Radio Tacoma, and so on.

849
01:22:16,170 --> 01:22:23,350
Very soon with the purple line, our neighborhood will be surrounded by enormous development,

850
01:22:23,750 --> 01:22:24,590
mostly commercial.

851
01:22:26,350 --> 01:22:33,410
The old Tacoma Park is a breath of fresh air for us, I mean, and to see that you are

852
01:22:33,410 --> 01:22:41,190
planning a little bit over development in areas that should not need those kind of development

853
01:22:41,790 --> 01:22:43,690
is of a concern.

854
01:22:44,450 --> 01:22:50,270
This is why I decided tonight to come and support the restoration of Council Member Smith.

855
01:22:50,770 --> 01:22:51,310
Thank you.

856
01:22:59,670 --> 01:23:03,930
Karen Leridge, Brian Robinson, and Eve Jenkins.

857
01:23:14,580 --> 01:23:17,900
Hi, my name is Karen Leridge, and my home is on Monoc Avenue.

858
01:23:19,200 --> 01:23:23,420
I have been a, I think, 38-year resident here in Tacoma Park.

859
01:23:23,580 --> 01:23:27,260
I've raised my children, and my daughter is raising her grandchildren.

860
01:23:29,120 --> 01:23:31,840
And this isn't just a small piece of land.

861
01:23:32,640 --> 01:23:36,300
We wouldn't be here night after night after night.

862
01:23:37,980 --> 01:24:06,280
mostly against the project, very rare, I don't think I've ever seen more than 20% of the people get up and say they were for it and this has been amazing that all these people came out tonight in this rain and I'm begging you to please listen to the people we won't go away this I'll be here with you to two o'clock in the morning and we'll be having these conversations again and again and again until we get it right for everybody and I'll be here with you to two o'clock in the morning and we'll be having these conversations again and again and again until we get it right for everybody and I'll be

863
01:24:06,280 --> 01:24:13,040
our neighborhoods. We need to have a town hall. We need to be able to talk back and forth

864
01:24:13,040 --> 01:24:17,280
because I know a lot of these folks who are for this project would be able to agree

865
01:24:17,280 --> 01:24:21,560
with things that we are who are against the project where there are lots of things that

866
01:24:21,560 --> 01:24:26,380
we can work together. We don't want an empty parking lot. There's a lot of us who want

867
01:24:26,380 --> 01:24:31,580
development. We just don't want the oversized development. And I'm really asking you guys

868
01:24:31,580 --> 01:24:37,820
please back to Eric Smith so we can take a time to look at this. I know we've had it for a long time,

869
01:24:37,820 --> 01:24:44,100
but obviously you have not convinced us that this is the right thing to do. Thank you.

870
01:24:53,780 --> 01:24:59,980
Brian Robinson, Maple Avenue in Ward 1. I work with an organization called Friends of

871
01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:29,880
Well, Tacoma, which was originally founded to try and save part pharmacy from being bought out by a chain store, the business, and the business association at the time supported our efforts. But only two years ago, they sent out a mailer saying, what would you think about Starbucks coming in the neighborhood just out of curiosity? We don't have any knowledge. So, I've spoken to

872
01:25:29,880 --> 01:25:36,540
a number of the business owners, we also rent an art space on Carol Avenue, and this

873
01:25:36,540 --> 01:25:42,480
development, the developer would pay less in rent for the entire city lot in ground

874
01:25:42,480 --> 01:25:43,780
rent than we pay in rent.

875
01:25:44,580 --> 01:25:50,100
And the businesses across the street are already seeing the rents rise, so each of them will

876
01:25:50,100 --> 01:25:53,600
be paying more in rent than this developer will be paying in rent.

877
01:25:54,020 --> 01:25:58,040
And the developer is being brought in explicitly to gentrify those lots.

878
01:25:58,040 --> 01:26:13,420
In fact, the business association is basically in favor of raising the rent on the businesses in the notion that this will revitalize the block by increasing demand by bringing in a better class of business, and that's just disgusting.

879
01:26:14,140 --> 01:26:15,420
There's also the issue

880
01:26:19,000 --> 01:26:30,780
of the plan if we're a progressive community then we should be doing what a lot of progressive communities do.

881
01:26:30,780 --> 01:26:42,680
which are designed by Syrent, not relying on the developer to give alternative plans and treat it as a city lot.

882
01:26:42,900 --> 01:26:47,300
I'm in favor of development, but not poorly planned development.

883
01:26:48,260 --> 01:26:52,220
This design would fill the entire lot with a building.

884
01:26:52,220 --> 01:26:59,040
It would cut off pedestrian access to Columbia Avenue through the wooded park plan,

885
01:26:59,040 --> 01:27:00,700
which could be easily provided.

886
01:27:01,280 --> 01:27:06,240
You may also notice there's a fire station parking lot that cuts into the lot.

887
01:27:06,920 --> 01:27:13,680
Organization working with the Carol Avenue neighborhood association was responsible for

888
01:27:13,680 --> 01:27:20,360
getting the county to build that parking lot to avoid tearing down two more houses on Carol Avenue.

889
01:27:20,820 --> 01:27:25,520
And when I spoke to some of the realtors and architects at the time,

890
01:27:25,520 --> 01:27:30,920
They said well, we want those houses torn down because they're nothing but a bunch of illegal immigrants anyway

891
01:27:30,920 --> 01:27:39,640
And I called them out as racist on the localist's serve and I was denounced and I was denounced for calling them racists and

892
01:27:40,600 --> 01:27:48,400
And we saved those two houses, but now without a fight and the reason we had that the reason we recommended the Mark Ehrich

893
01:27:48,400 --> 01:27:55,060
they build that lot was to have a two-point turn coming it off the city lot for trucks coming

894
01:27:55,060 --> 01:28:01,940
into the back of the co-op and that is the way to design a development. Thank you very much.

895
01:28:14,050 --> 01:28:21,390
My name is Eve Jenkins and I live at 7127 Carol Avenue so right down from the fire station

896
01:28:21,390 --> 01:28:29,910
obviously very close to this development and I also work at a small local business in Old Tacoma.

897
01:28:29,990 --> 01:28:37,010
a restaurant and I've been to a lot of city council meetings and listen to a lot of comments

898
01:28:37,010 --> 01:28:41,470
about this and this is the first time that I think I've ever actually made a comment.

899
01:28:42,530 --> 01:28:47,350
So I've had a lot of opportunity to think about it and I've, you know, listened to a lot

900
01:28:47,350 --> 01:28:56,670
of things and ultimately come to the conclusion that I don't think that the development is

901
01:28:56,670 --> 01:29:02,870
appropriate for the location, I think it's too big, I think the traffic problems are maybe

902
01:29:02,870 --> 01:29:12,570
well-nigh insurmountable. And also, you know, as in my experience working again at an existing

903
01:29:12,570 --> 01:29:21,570
longstanding local business, I can see that we already have increased restaurant and retail coming

904
01:29:22,770 --> 01:29:51,490
that is creating enough competition for the existing businesses that we maybe really can't support as many new restaurants as what's coming in, so I'm not sure that we actually need the additional restaurant and retail in that location, we're starting to have some thriving activity along Carol Avenue, you know, where some of the new businesses are coming in and I think that that's great, but we don't really need an additional building.

905
01:29:54,830 --> 01:29:59,710
I'm not really pleased with the escalation of rhetoric that there has been.

906
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:10,100
On this issue and the recall effort and the maligning of the city council that has gone on, I don't feel that the Tacoma Park City Council is the enemy.

907
01:30:14,940 --> 01:30:32,580
But I hope that you won't let any irritation that you might feel or feeling of being besieged, cloud, the issues and that you will still be able to clearly see what is right and appropriate in this and vote no on the

908
01:30:32,580 --> 01:30:38,020
project as it stands and maybe go ahead and vote yes on the resolution to

909
01:30:38,020 --> 01:30:44,740
extend the timeline of jurorsness resolution. And please consider that there

910
01:30:44,740 --> 01:30:49,620
may be a lot of other citizens like me who don't have a flare for the dramatic

911
01:30:49,620 --> 01:30:52,980
but still oppose this project. Thank you.

912
01:31:01,620 --> 01:31:04,780
Alison McDonald, Rachel Hardwick and Sam Branson.

913
01:31:04,780 --> 01:31:05,480
Hi

914
01:31:12,480 --> 01:31:18,480
everyone, I'm Alison McDonald. I live in Ward 2. This is my first time here tonight.

915
01:31:18,820 --> 01:31:24,420
I'm pleased to be here. I have two children. I've been following this for some time both

916
01:31:24,980 --> 01:31:29,780
streaming the City Council meetings when I'm traveling for work in hotel lobbies and also

917
01:31:29,780 --> 01:31:38,800
when I'm driving Carpool for ballet. I've tuned in from home. I really want to thank everyone

918
01:31:38,800 --> 01:31:45,080
here and the mayor and the council for your deliberation, for your time, for your consideration,

919
01:31:45,700 --> 01:31:52,440
and for putting up with so much conversation, sometimes divisive within this community.

920
01:31:52,900 --> 01:31:56,900
I really appreciate the democratic process that we have and that you're a consideration.

921
01:31:57,920 --> 01:31:59,700
I'm really excited about the junction.

922
01:32:00,100 --> 01:32:05,380
I'm really excited that there's an opportunity for our ward and ward two for something vibrant

923
01:32:05,380 --> 01:32:08,320
to be in the the junction space itself.

924
01:32:09,620 --> 01:32:11,400
It's a walkable for our neighborhood.

925
01:32:12,220 --> 01:32:16,500
We live on the other side of Slego Creek and I'm really excited.

926
01:32:17,240 --> 01:32:18,580
I believe I speak for a lot of people.

927
01:32:18,660 --> 01:32:22,660
I've heard over and over again about the disproportionate amount of people that are here tonight

928
01:32:22,660 --> 01:32:27,340
and have been here over the course of so much of the deliberations and I just want to let

929
01:32:27,340 --> 01:32:32,040
you know that I think I speak for many of my friends within my neighborhood and within

930
01:32:32,040 --> 01:32:34,180
in the greater community that maybe don't have the time

931
01:32:34,600 --> 01:32:37,120
to dedicate to come out every night.

932
01:32:37,320 --> 01:32:37,960
So thank you.

933
01:32:38,160 --> 01:32:39,460
I'm going to find a shop.

934
01:32:41,260 --> 01:32:43,580
And I would just say thanks once again,

935
01:32:43,960 --> 01:32:45,320
and I urge you to move forward.

936
01:32:45,740 --> 01:32:45,900
Thanks.

937
01:32:52,660 --> 01:32:54,240
They're telling me I can't have the table.

938
01:32:54,520 --> 01:32:55,480
Well, I always have the table.

939
01:32:55,840 --> 01:32:57,380
Mr. Kelly, I'll talk to you in a minute.

940
01:32:57,380 --> 01:32:58,660
You're cutting into our time.

941
01:32:59,040 --> 01:32:59,380
I'm sorry.

942
01:32:59,600 --> 01:33:00,380
Yeah, I'm not going to get over it.

943
01:33:00,380 --> 01:33:01,460
You're not going to be special.

944
01:33:04,180 --> 01:33:05,960
I want to leave the table there.

945
01:33:12,120 --> 01:33:14,660
All right. You can begin if you want.

946
01:33:16,040 --> 01:33:24,360
Hi. I'm Rachel Hardwick, and I'm President of the Board of the Co-op. On Friday,

947
01:33:24,600 --> 01:33:30,060
Monday, and today, representatives from the Co-op, the City of Tacoma Park, and the developer

948
01:33:30,060 --> 01:33:35,380
attended mediation sessions sponsored by the City Council and designed in an effort to

949
01:33:35,380 --> 01:33:41,540
to resolve a number of issues related to the redevelopment of the city-owned parking lot located next to the co-op.

950
01:33:42,600 --> 01:33:45,440
Specific discussions during mediation are confidential.

951
01:33:46,200 --> 01:33:51,860
However, we can say that our discussions were extensive, lasting over six and a half hours so far,

952
01:33:52,380 --> 01:33:56,700
and that they addressed some but not all of the complex issues we have agreed to discuss.

953
01:33:57,480 --> 01:34:03,980
The board has concluded that at this time it is in the interest of the co-op and its members to continue with mediation.

954
01:34:05,380 --> 01:34:10,640
The board asks the council not to approve the site plan, and instead wait until mediation

955
01:34:10,640 --> 01:34:11,340
is concluded.

956
01:34:11,860 --> 01:34:15,980
We expect to finish mediation before the council returns from its summer recess.

957
01:34:17,160 --> 01:34:22,360
We make this request because the board thinks that approval of the current site plan before

958
01:34:22,360 --> 01:34:27,780
completion of mediation could jeopardize the mediation's chances of addressing what the

959
01:34:27,780 --> 01:34:33,860
board understands is essential purpose, that is, to find mutually acceptable and reasonable

960
01:34:33,860 --> 01:34:36,560
accommodations of the co-ops operational needs.

961
01:34:37,200 --> 01:34:42,060
This goal is fundamentally important because redevelopment of the city lot, as currently

962
01:34:42,060 --> 01:34:47,940
proposed, will deprive the co-op of its current delivery loading zone on the city lot over

963
01:34:47,940 --> 01:34:52,200
flow customer parking spaces and a place to store waste and recycling.

964
01:34:52,800 --> 01:34:58,620
The board with the help of its experts has determined that the current NDC site plan does

965
01:34:58,620 --> 01:34:59,440
not provide.

966
01:34:59,820 --> 01:34:59,960
Result.

967
01:35:02,240 --> 01:35:28,300
We are concerned that if the Council approves the site plan tonight, the approval would officially sanction the current plan. In our view, any such approval thereby could materially change the effectiveness of the mediation process. We ask that the Council not approve the NDC site plan. Instead, please approve the pending alternative resolution, which is the only resolution offered to this point

968
01:35:28,300 --> 01:35:33,400
that requires mediation to be concluded before the council votes on the site plan.

969
01:35:34,040 --> 01:35:41,780
The co-op sees mediation as the best way to reach a resolution that can be endorsed by the co-op, the city, and NDC.

970
01:35:42,380 --> 01:35:45,140
And we urge our members and shoppers to support our request.

971
01:35:45,600 --> 01:35:46,040
Thank you.

972
01:36:08,660 --> 01:36:10,760
Sam Bramson, co-op shopper.

973
01:36:12,120 --> 01:36:20,080
Let me also thank everyone present for every contribution they are making to a peaceful,

974
01:36:20,080 --> 01:36:25,480
national, national, democratic liberation, and all the ways in which to come apart government

975
01:36:25,480 --> 01:36:31,480
is doing a great and valuable job. I invite both the supporters of the current NDC proposal

976
01:36:31,480 --> 01:36:37,980
and those who oppose it, to remember how many goals that they have in common. Don't let

977
01:36:37,980 --> 01:36:42,720
room-filling cheers and booze stop you from inquiring honestly with someone in disagreement

978
01:36:43,220 --> 01:36:47,720
why they feel the way they do. A consensus on a way forward could be so close.

979
01:36:48,760 --> 01:36:53,180
I am recently returned to the Washington area after a decade in Pittsburgh where the food

980
01:36:53,180 --> 01:36:59,120
co-op, the only one in the region, struggled in an analogous way as to come apart currently

981
01:36:59,120 --> 01:37:01,640
with community interests versus corporate interests.

982
01:37:02,300 --> 01:37:07,520
Please support Alternative Resolution 7, and in support of that, let me second the arguments

983
01:37:07,520 --> 01:37:12,080
made so far, and also echo the pleas for creativity and risk.

984
01:37:12,080 --> 01:37:23,420
If the world is going to find new, currently unknown ways to sustainably solve development questions that put community interests above all else, it will be through experimentation.

985
01:37:24,380 --> 01:37:37,380
Tacoma Park has resources, community interest, and a legacy in perfect alignment with this goal and would be an ideal place, frighteningly rare for such an experiment to take place.

986
01:37:37,380 --> 01:37:41,000
The history books, 99 years from now when the proposed

987
01:37:41,000 --> 01:37:43,460
least would end, will either say that the

988
01:37:43,460 --> 01:37:46,280
municipality lost its unique character or that it

989
01:37:46,280 --> 01:37:46,840
kept it.

990
01:37:47,360 --> 01:37:50,700
But perhaps equally importantly, those history books

991
01:37:50,700 --> 01:37:54,820
can say that the municipality stayed safe by trading

992
01:37:54,820 --> 01:37:57,040
public property for what was still essentially

993
01:37:57,040 --> 01:38:00,040
corporatism, or that they struck out swinging.

994
01:38:01,040 --> 01:38:02,020
Please swing.

995
01:38:02,920 --> 01:38:05,960
Someday, a history book may say that sustainable,

996
01:38:05,960 --> 01:38:11,040
community-based land usage became commonplace after experiments carried out in progressive

997
01:38:11,040 --> 01:38:14,840
municipalities across the U.S. such as this one.

998
01:38:15,340 --> 01:38:15,640
Thank you.

999
01:38:27,550 --> 01:38:28,350
Thank you.

1000
01:38:28,690 --> 01:38:33,530
I now have, well, Milan and David Korn and Margaret Vitola.

1001
01:38:38,570 --> 01:38:40,070
Oh, did you have a slideshow?

1002
01:38:40,250 --> 01:38:41,350
No, you didn't have slides, right?

1003
01:38:41,750 --> 01:38:43,530
No, I didn't.

1004
01:38:43,530 --> 01:38:44,230
You didn't have time.

1005
01:38:44,490 --> 01:38:44,970
So that's okay.

1006
01:38:46,430 --> 01:38:46,650
Hi.

1007
01:38:46,790 --> 01:38:48,310
My name is Valmouth Lancet.

1008
01:38:48,310 --> 01:38:56,590
I live in Ward 1, Peter Kovar's ward, I want to thank everyone the Mayor and the Council for taking the time, it's going to be a long night.

1009
01:38:57,610 --> 01:39:02,190
I want to say a few words about one of the aspects of this development. Can everyone hear me?

1010
01:39:04,720 --> 01:39:05,560
Thank you, Umarins.

1011
01:39:06,760 --> 01:39:17,600
Just imagine driving home one night on Carol Avenue and you see this vibrant lot with people at night mingling about or you drive to work

1012
01:39:17,600 --> 01:39:21,240
and you see this lot and people are just hanging out talking to friends and neighbors.

1013
01:39:22,220 --> 01:39:28,920
And then imagine a community that's known for its inclusiveness and commitment to social justice,

1014
01:39:29,420 --> 01:39:34,760
doing an infill project that serves many needs for this community, such as pedestrians, bicyclists,

1015
01:39:35,060 --> 01:39:40,560
moms with strollers, and middle and high school students, by providing amenities such as stores,

1016
01:39:41,160 --> 01:39:44,640
family owned restaurants, and a public living room.

1017
01:39:44,640 --> 01:39:50,580
providing a safe way to school and to work without permanently disturbing and

1018
01:39:50,580 --> 01:39:58,780
uprooting existing entities. Instead, I see a proposed development that does not

1019
01:39:58,780 --> 01:39:59,780
allow for adequate

1020
01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:27,700
Local government, public space, creates additional traffic at an already very complex intersection. Basic issues that have not been resolved and that are referred to as details. Promises to deal with these details after a resolution has been voted on. But these issues are key infrastructure problems, including traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and parking.

1021
01:40:27,700 --> 01:40:31,880
all unresolved up until today.

1022
01:40:32,920 --> 01:40:39,180
I also see a design that is too big for its allocated space and once the site plan has

1023
01:40:39,180 --> 01:40:45,720
been approved as is by voting yes, if that's what you were to do, there will be no opportunity

1024
01:40:45,720 --> 01:40:52,060
to make any significant changes to the amount of public space in the project.

1025
01:40:52,880 --> 01:41:01,120
This should be the path forward, postpone the vote, and vote no to the resolution and vote

1026
01:41:01,120 --> 01:41:03,200
yes to Jared Smith's amendment.

1027
01:41:03,800 --> 01:41:10,040
We need to make, as the community, a fully informed decision, emphasize that the space

1028
01:41:10,040 --> 01:41:13,500
should serve the community, not just consumers.

1029
01:41:14,420 --> 01:41:20,660
Develop a project that will create additional tax revenue while still ensuring public accessible

1030
01:41:20,660 --> 01:41:28,140
space that's appropriate in scale and purpose and show all of us, all of us that we can resolve

1031
01:41:28,140 --> 01:41:34,540
these issues in the Tacoma Park Manor, which is with expertise, knowledge, deliberation,

1032
01:41:35,040 --> 01:41:38,440
compassion and a sound vision for the future.

1033
01:41:38,840 --> 01:41:39,240
Thank you.

1034
01:41:48,970 --> 01:41:53,770
Good evening, Mayor and the City Council members, I'm here to just second her basically.

1035
01:41:53,770 --> 01:42:01,490
I can't second Jared's resolution, I would if I could, but just sitting here, I hadn't expected to say anything further.

1036
01:42:02,150 --> 01:42:07,730
A thought occurred to me listening to all the great speakers on both sides, I know this is very difficult for a lot of people.

1037
01:42:08,350 --> 01:42:14,430
But we have an existing business that we want to thrive in that space.

1038
01:42:14,590 --> 01:42:21,890
That is the co-op. We're now talking about a prospective enterprise which is a risk and which is a gamble.

1039
01:42:21,890 --> 01:42:27,590
You don't know what's going to be there if there's stories that are going to support an element of social justice or not

1040
01:42:27,590 --> 01:42:31,290
we just have no clue at this point in time whether there'll be necessary

1041
01:42:32,210 --> 01:42:38,810
outlets or restaurants that serve the local people or bringing people that make things harder for the existing businesses

1042
01:42:38,810 --> 01:42:44,610
But so it seems to me that as you go into this you have these two great unknowns

1043
01:42:45,350 --> 01:42:51,530
The unknown is the co-op mediation, which is not over, but is soon to be over, and that's

1044
01:42:51,530 --> 01:42:53,770
something that you will know very quickly.

1045
01:42:54,730 --> 01:42:57,430
And the other great unknown is the traffic dimension.

1046
01:42:58,430 --> 01:43:03,030
Having lived in Hickory, now living in the cedar, I lived in the traffic problem that exists

1047
01:43:03,030 --> 01:43:03,530
now.

1048
01:43:04,250 --> 01:43:09,610
And to sort of say, we'll deal this down the road, no pun intended, sorry.

1049
01:43:09,610 --> 01:43:15,070
Sorry, just doesn't seem to be sufficient to going ahead with this project.

1050
01:43:15,850 --> 01:43:21,850
It could compound the issue, as Nadine talked about, it could put the city on the hook financially.

1051
01:43:22,330 --> 01:43:24,610
It's a gigantic unknown.

1052
01:43:25,310 --> 01:43:31,170
So I know that Jarrett's resolution doesn't address that because you're not going to have

1053
01:43:31,170 --> 01:43:35,030
that answer in four weeks after your well-deserved vacation.

1054
01:43:35,030 --> 01:43:40,150
But it seems to me that at least on the co-op side, that's something that will be answerable.

1055
01:43:40,790 --> 01:43:44,930
And I hadn't thought of this until we heard from the co-op Board of Director.

1056
01:43:45,050 --> 01:43:49,330
But if you go ahead and vote for this now, it will affect the mediation process.

1057
01:43:49,330 --> 01:43:52,830
At least it should. And give the upper hand to the NDC.

1058
01:43:54,030 --> 01:43:57,330
So these two great unknowns, you know, lying out here.

1059
01:43:57,910 --> 01:44:00,570
I think you got to take, you got to hit the pause button.

1060
01:44:00,570 --> 01:44:15,750
And hopefully, as you resolve those issues, you're never going to get full cohesion on this but maybe you'll move closer to some community consensus so that this project becomes less divisive as you proceed down the road.

1061
01:44:16,290 --> 01:44:17,330
Thank you for considering that.

1062
01:44:28,780 --> 01:44:38,820
Good evening, Mayor and Councilmembers. My name is Margaret Fattulo. I'm a resident of Ward 2 and I'd like to tell you a story of community.

1063
01:44:38,820 --> 01:44:43,660
And I'd like to be very respectful of the time that I have a lot of it as I do that.

1064
01:44:44,480 --> 01:44:47,440
But I'd like to begin my story in an unusual way.

1065
01:44:49,200 --> 01:44:52,420
I'd like for us all to take 30 seconds of silence.

1066
01:44:53,620 --> 01:44:59,960
And use that 30 seconds of silence to think about what we love about this community.

1067
01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:07,460
Community. Not this issue. What do you love about living care? What do we all love about it?

1068
01:45:49,230 --> 01:46:12,600
Thank you. I belong to another community that had another very similar fight. There was a group that believed strongly that a particular kind of development needed to happen. A particular kind of building needed to happen in a particular location. There was another group in this very beloved community of mine.

1069
01:46:12,600 --> 01:46:18,900
It felt absolutely strongly that the building needed to be a different kind of building in

1070
01:46:18,900 --> 01:46:19,840
a different location.

1071
01:46:20,740 --> 01:46:29,520
And this fight threatened to tear this beloved community that I consider my second family.

1072
01:46:30,360 --> 01:46:31,440
Threatened to tear to part,

1073
01:46:34,480 --> 01:46:38,100
people were disappearing from the community, saying they would never

1074
01:46:38,100 --> 01:46:39,020
come back again.

1075
01:46:39,160 --> 01:46:40,460
People were feeling threatened.

1076
01:46:40,460 --> 01:46:45,900
And everybody said we have to keep going.

1077
01:46:48,340 --> 01:46:49,960
How can we let this get derailed?

1078
01:46:50,300 --> 01:46:51,860
We've put so much work into it,

1079
01:46:55,350 --> 01:46:56,250
but we did.

1080
01:46:58,000 --> 01:46:58,780
We stopped.

1081
01:47:00,880 --> 01:47:01,680
We took a pause.

1082
01:47:03,280 --> 01:47:06,560
We went back and did another process of listening.

1083
01:47:07,400 --> 01:47:11,940
It was painful, but we did that.

1084
01:47:12,800 --> 01:47:18,860
And that beloved community of mine is now moving forward on a building where there is real

1085
01:47:18,860 --> 01:47:19,400
unity.

1086
01:47:20,440 --> 01:47:33,940
And that experience of working across difference and taking the time to do that helped preserve what I was thinking about during that 30 seconds and my time's up.

1087
01:47:34,120 --> 01:47:34,440
Thank you.

1088
01:47:36,420 --> 01:47:37,540
Thank you.

1089
01:47:37,540 --> 01:47:37,900
Thank you.

1090
01:47:37,900 --> 01:47:38,740
It is the love of community.

1091
01:47:39,060 --> 01:47:39,940
It is our neighbors.

1092
01:47:40,320 --> 01:47:41,020
It is our friends.

1093
01:47:41,260 --> 01:47:42,680
It is the bonds between us.

1094
01:47:42,920 --> 01:47:45,340
That is the most important thing for us to value.

1095
01:47:45,340 --> 01:47:46,380
I

1096
01:47:55,600 --> 01:48:01,420
have Rick Weiss, Martha Feldman, Buriedett, Fines.

1097
01:48:07,590 --> 01:48:10,550
Hi, I'm Rick Weiss, 25 year resident of Pine Avenue.

1098
01:48:10,670 --> 01:48:14,630
I've spoken to you all before and written to you about my issues with this development.

1099
01:48:15,310 --> 01:48:18,350
I want to just reiterate too that particularly sticking my crawl and

1100
01:48:18,350 --> 01:48:21,130
bring up one new point that I haven't gotten into before.

1101
01:48:21,850 --> 01:48:29,690
Craw number one is the lay by this kind of horrible plan to have trucks out on the street where garbage

1102
01:48:29,690 --> 01:48:33,230
and groceries will be delivered across the sidewalk and in people's way.

1103
01:48:33,850 --> 01:48:40,610
The lay-by, which is unsafe, unsanitary, unworkable, unbeautiful, unwanted, unwelcome, and it's

1104
01:48:40,610 --> 01:48:46,390
just a bad solution to a problem that didn't exist until NDC decided to try to squeeze

1105
01:48:46,390 --> 01:48:49,350
every square foot of space it could into its profits.

1106
01:48:52,540 --> 01:48:57,680
And whatever you think about the lay-by and its effect on the co-op to approve a plan right

1107
01:48:57,680 --> 01:49:03,280
right now that uses that, as has been said a couple of times now, going to completely undermine

1108
01:49:03,280 --> 01:49:08,400
the mediation process that is currently out of way. And for that reason, alone, you really

1109
01:49:08,400 --> 01:49:14,080
need to vote to put a pause on this process. The second crock, or on number two, is our

1110
01:49:14,080 --> 01:49:21,120
so-called community space that's built into this plan, a space that is unspacious and un-inviting

1111
01:49:21,120 --> 01:49:26,740
and is completely in opposition to what we all agreed to when the task force did its work

1112
01:49:26,740 --> 01:49:32,980
some years ago, now I heard some people who led that task force have changed their minds or have a different opinion.

1113
01:49:33,420 --> 01:49:37,840
But let's remember that the task force report was not about their opinions.

1114
01:49:37,840 --> 01:49:41,000
It was about what everyone in the community said they wanted.

1115
01:49:41,520 --> 01:49:44,740
And what people in the community told the task force they wanted.

1116
01:49:44,740 --> 01:49:48,580
And what the task force reported was, among other things, quote,

1117
01:49:49,040 --> 01:49:55,480
expanded community use, including a pavilion, a playground, a garden space, and or a park.

1118
01:49:55,480 --> 01:49:59,680
It talked about food trucks and gathering space in a place to dance.

1119
01:50:00,300 --> 01:50:28,520
That is not what we have appearing in this plan. The, to say that the planned, slightly expanded patch of sidewalk between Carol Avenue and a driveway, satisfies with the community as for here, is just demonstrably false. It's an insult to what we ask for. It's a slap in the face to us, and it should not be allowed to go forward and called a public meeting space at all.

1120
01:50:32,650 --> 01:50:37,530
The third and last and new point I want to bring up is that one great thing that's come

1121
01:50:37,530 --> 01:50:42,590
out of this process is that we've seen a whole bunch of beautiful alternative starting

1122
01:50:42,590 --> 01:50:47,170
to pop up from people in our community who are quite creative and have some great ideas.

1123
01:50:47,750 --> 01:50:53,150
The slides that Wilmaid showed a few weeks ago at a meeting of all kinds of creative ways

1124
01:50:53,150 --> 01:50:54,590
to use that open space.

1125
01:50:55,030 --> 01:50:59,130
Some of the ideas that the 15 architects and others have put forward with what you could

1126
01:50:59,130 --> 01:51:05,810
do in that space are just so fantastic, so creative, so experimental, so to coma park.

1127
01:51:06,310 --> 01:51:08,890
Why aren't we thinking about these things?

1128
01:51:09,630 --> 01:51:11,470
It is not too late to turn around.

1129
01:51:11,910 --> 01:51:14,350
NDC has shown us what they would do.

1130
01:51:14,790 --> 01:51:17,270
Now we're starting to see what we would do.

1131
01:51:17,910 --> 01:51:22,850
Let's slow down, let's take advantage of our local talent and do something better.

1132
01:51:23,330 --> 01:51:24,370
Thank you very much.

1133
01:51:24,370 --> 01:51:25,330
Hi,

1134
01:51:35,720 --> 01:51:44,340
I'm Martha Feldman. I live on Jackson Avenue, and I'm a 33-year resident, so I have

1135
01:51:44,340 --> 01:51:48,980
a few things. First of all, I want to thank everyone on the council. Every one of you

1136
01:51:48,980 --> 01:51:55,780
who I know is a truly decent person, and I don't think we can say, you know, we may not

1137
01:51:55,780 --> 01:52:02,640
agree with you every time, but you're all great people. I think part of the problem was that

1138
01:52:02,640 --> 01:52:14,520
But although I went to the meetings for this project and even though it appeared to be open and it was intended to be open,

1139
01:52:15,000 --> 01:52:29,080
I think it was actually a very closed process where the pictures they showed us of developments they had done or thought they might do were very different.

1140
01:52:29,080 --> 01:52:37,520
They were wood, they were smaller, and we also, as a number of people have said, were given

1141
01:52:37,520 --> 01:52:43,900
assurances that things, you know, would develop and be better, but I don't think, unfortunately,

1142
01:52:44,200 --> 01:52:52,020
it's worked out to the satisfaction of all the residents. And I think that might be why all this

1143
01:52:52,020 --> 01:53:02,360
opposition is now coming up later in the process because it just didn't seem like things were

1144
01:53:02,360 --> 01:53:08,520
going to change. And now I have a few things on my own. I want to just mention, you know,

1145
01:53:08,600 --> 01:53:15,820
we keep mentioning walkable communities, but as a 73-year-old person, I think you have to

1146
01:53:15,820 --> 01:53:22,960
think that not everybody is going to be able to walk and we definitely need to have parking

1147
01:53:22,960 --> 01:53:30,680
throughout the city. I won't say any more about that. I support the mediation with the co-op

1148
01:53:31,260 --> 01:53:34,640
and I anyway.

1149
01:53:36,870 --> 01:53:43,930
And I have written a letter about these things before but I think the traffic

1150
01:53:43,930 --> 01:53:52,750
problems are going to be horrible. The changes in lights that we have now, they may have improved

1151
01:53:52,750 --> 01:53:58,570
the traffic a little on Ethan Allen, but now it's worse on Carol Avenue. You know, we just,

1152
01:53:59,210 --> 01:54:06,790
we want to keep a single lane or a double lane highway, and we just cannot support a tremendous

1153
01:54:06,790 --> 01:54:13,470
amount of traffic. And I want to say, and this relates to the traffic breaks for NDC,

1154
01:54:14,650 --> 01:54:22,970
my husband and my taxes are now up to $9,600 a year. And that is because we had to move

1155
01:54:23,790 --> 01:54:31,970
from the Prince George's avenue because I could not stand living across the street from the

1156
01:54:31,970 --> 01:54:35,170
basketball court on Prince George in Forest Park.

1157
01:54:35,830 --> 01:54:41,330
So, I am now paying probably $7,000 more than I would have had to pay.

1158
01:54:41,430 --> 01:54:48,410
And I really resent the idea that someone's going to come and not have to pay their fair share of taxes.

1159
01:54:48,750 --> 01:54:49,210
Thank you, thank you.

1160
01:54:54,580 --> 01:54:56,080
Is Bernie dead still here?

1161
01:54:57,960 --> 01:54:59,060
No, did she leave?

1162
01:54:59,620 --> 01:54:59,920
Okay.

1163
01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:19,760
All right. Then, is Anne Maxwell? I think she just had to go pick up her child, is she back yet? Does anyone else child care is closing? Is anyone else have a child in child care that they need to speak? All right, so we'll wait till Anne. So, Lorraine Pierceall? Okay,

1164
01:55:23,650 --> 01:55:25,290
so we'll have Lorraine first and then Anne.

1165
01:55:33,900 --> 01:55:39,960
I'm Lorraine Pierceall, Vice President of historic Tacoma. And I'm here tonight.

1166
01:55:39,960 --> 01:55:43,660
representing our organization and our Board of Directors.

1167
01:55:44,340 --> 01:55:51,120
Our concerns remain with respect to the impacts of this out-of-scale project on our historic

1168
01:55:51,120 --> 01:55:53,060
district and the 410 corridor.

1169
01:55:54,240 --> 01:55:56,760
410 corridor is an ever-present worry.

1170
01:55:57,780 --> 01:56:02,660
And please remember that widening will begin with simply with a third lane.

1171
01:56:03,220 --> 01:56:08,100
We must really be very careful of the loading that we put in this area.

1172
01:56:08,100 --> 01:56:20,160
As a property owner, at 73, 28, Carol Avenue, historic Tacoma does not support the city resolution or the current site plan.

1173
01:56:20,500 --> 01:56:35,620
There are too many serious uncertainties that remain, many of which are in the alternative, listed in the alternative resolution, but even that is incomplete as you probably heard many additional ones tonight.

1174
01:56:37,040 --> 01:56:40,960
So this project should be in better shape by now.

1175
01:56:41,860 --> 01:56:46,920
The developers should have provided us with multiple options a lot sooner

1176
01:56:46,920 --> 01:56:52,420
and drawings that were not just artistic renderings and incomplete at that.

1177
01:56:53,100 --> 01:56:58,560
It's a bit embarrassing to be putting it forward in its current state.

1178
01:56:58,560 --> 01:57:05,040
and I'm concerned that when the county starts to look at it they're going to

1179
01:57:05,040 --> 01:57:13,260
wonder why on earth didn't we work on this more. And I don't believe that the

1180
01:57:13,260 --> 01:57:17,900
residents really comprehend the scale of what they will be living with. I've

1181
01:57:17,900 --> 01:57:24,440
been looking at plans for many many years and these are renderings that are not

1182
01:57:24,440 --> 01:57:32,740
scale that they're showing us. So right now I'm here to say please either vote no or put a pause

1183
01:57:32,740 --> 01:57:42,500
on this project and find a real solution. I know you don't want to hear that but it is, this is

1184
01:57:42,500 --> 01:57:51,920
such a major issue. We're about to hand a 99 year lease to a developer that we really don't know,

1185
01:57:51,920 --> 01:57:56,420
So we don't know how he's going to develop this, and frankly, we don't know what his

1186
01:57:56,420 --> 01:58:00,020
errors and assigns are going to do, and so what are we doing in future generations?

1187
01:58:00,520 --> 01:58:08,660
Please put a pause on this to work this out and find solutions that will work for us,

1188
01:58:08,720 --> 01:58:16,020
and then we can go on the regulatory pathway that makes a lot more sense, and it will save

1189
01:58:16,020 --> 01:58:19,040
a lot of heartburn and heartbreak in the future.

1190
01:58:19,460 --> 01:58:19,800
Thank you.

1191
01:58:20,340 --> 01:58:20,780
I

1192
01:58:31,660 --> 01:58:34,140
am Anne Maxwell, word one, this is my daughter, Yanna.

1193
01:58:34,380 --> 01:58:38,780
Thank you for letting us slip in, childcare just closed and we've got to get home to bed.

1194
01:58:39,440 --> 01:58:46,340
I just want to say very quickly, beyond being a to-home park resident, I am a co-op member and a frequent shopper.

1195
01:58:46,840 --> 01:58:58,500
And the very things that I love about the co-op, the walkable convenience that it provides, the interesting food that I can buy there, and the sense of community I get when I run into neighbors and

1196
01:58:58,500 --> 01:59:02,820
and friends while shopping or walking to and from the co-op are the very reason that

1197
01:59:02,820 --> 01:59:04,560
I support moving ahead with the development.

1198
01:59:09,960 --> 01:59:13,100
I have faith given the deliberative process

1199
01:59:13,100 --> 01:59:18,400
that has gone thus far that you will guide this project in a way that reflects all the

1200
01:59:18,400 --> 01:59:23,300
concerns that you have heard and in the true spirit of Tacoma Park. So thank you very

1201
01:59:23,300 --> 01:59:23,600
much.

1202
01:59:30,470 --> 01:59:31,770
Paul, are you still here?

1203
01:59:31,770 --> 01:59:35,390
Yeah, okay. Paul, will you be there?

1204
01:59:35,990 --> 01:59:41,870
I think I see a William Riker, Lois Wessel, Joanne Malone.

1205
01:59:46,480 --> 01:59:48,600
Good evening everyone, Paul Kristowski.

1206
01:59:49,160 --> 01:59:55,780
Only 26 year resident in Ward one, but I did live in Berkeley, California before that.

1207
01:59:55,940 --> 01:59:57,720
So I think that probably counts for something.

1208
02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:04,760
As you know, I've had many environmental concerns about this project, and for those in the audience

1209
02:00:04,760 --> 02:00:09,960
who don't know me, I am an environmental scientist with 40 years of experience in environmental

1210
02:00:09,960 --> 02:00:15,420
impact analysis. Some of my concerns have been addressed by amendments to the current

1211
02:00:15,420 --> 02:00:20,340
resolution. However, it hasn't gone far enough, and there are still a lot of environmental

1212
02:00:20,340 --> 02:00:25,880
questions in the current resolution. For example, I heard a member of the audience tonight

1213
02:00:25,880 --> 02:00:31,680
site this often referred to urban myths that the material under the parking lot

1214
02:00:31,680 --> 02:00:36,560
is going to require environmental remediation. The city's own consultants to

1215
02:00:36,560 --> 02:00:41,400
which you paid a nice fee to did a great phase one and phase two study there.

1216
02:00:42,040 --> 02:00:46,060
And that material that is under the parking lot currently meets EPA standards

1217
02:00:46,060 --> 02:00:51,820
for clean fill. It doesn't require any remediation. This is just one example of

1218
02:00:51,820 --> 02:00:56,460
some of the environmental issues that need to be cleaned up in that resolution.

1219
02:00:57,500 --> 02:01:16,100
So I would like you to take a pause and vote no on that current resolution and vote yes on Councilman Smith's alternative resolution with the proviso that when we hit the pause button and take this deep rest that we look at all of the potential environmental impacts.

1220
02:01:16,100 --> 02:01:24,900
Well, there's still a chance to get the developer to mitigate them before our community has to suffer the ill-effects of environmental pollution.

1221
02:01:25,840 --> 02:01:34,620
And the last thing I heard the coalition on smarter growth here tonight, given enthusiastic endorsements of this project, as I would have expected.

1222
02:01:35,140 --> 02:01:44,860
But I would like the coalition on smarter growth, maybe to come up with some way of offsetting the 90,000 metric times of CO2 equivalents

1223
02:01:44,860 --> 02:01:47,080
that are going to be admitted during the construction.

1224
02:01:47,880 --> 02:01:52,280
Maybe the coalition for Smarter Gross can help work with the developer and with the city

1225
02:01:52,640 --> 02:01:55,820
to mitigate some of these impacts, which are major impacts.

1226
02:01:56,200 --> 02:01:57,200
Thank you very much.

1227
02:02:03,810 --> 02:02:05,210
William Reiger, Ward 1.

1228
02:02:05,650 --> 02:02:10,370
I spoke to the public comments about a year ago when City Council voted to move forward in this process.

1229
02:02:10,890 --> 02:02:15,090
Tonight I want to urge you all to do the same and to pass the original resolution.

1230
02:02:15,090 --> 02:02:24,810
The idea that at this point, the city can pivot and go with the development that might make the crop happier is quite frankly completely unrealistic.

1231
02:02:25,970 --> 02:02:30,030
NGC has already put in a tremendous amount of time, money, and most of all patients.

1232
02:02:30,590 --> 02:02:38,730
And to go ahead and pull the plug on a project like that, I think poses serious danger to the Tacoma Parks economic future going forward.

1233
02:02:38,730 --> 02:02:47,190
No developers won't want to come in here and touch anything, and quite frankly, it discourages business as a whole.

1234
02:02:48,470 --> 02:02:53,270
I also want to remind everyone that yes, NDC does want to make a profit, so does the co-op.

1235
02:02:53,430 --> 02:03:01,710
The co-op is actually a for-profit corporation, and they actually might profit more without competition,

1236
02:03:02,030 --> 02:03:07,230
while also having all the trucks and being able to lease this land from the city.

1237
02:03:09,430 --> 02:03:13,870
So I want to ask the you please focus on serving the entire community and

1238
02:03:13,870 --> 02:03:21,270
past this resolution that will help energize the entire area rather than focus on the business continuity of the single for profit business.

1239
02:03:21,590 --> 02:03:22,150
Thank you.

1240
02:03:27,920 --> 02:03:29,600
My name is Lois Wessel.

1241
02:03:29,960 --> 02:03:34,000
I live at 7105 Westmoreland Avenue, which is Ward 3.

1242
02:03:34,200 --> 02:03:39,140
And first of all, I want to thank all of the council members and the city manager and the deputy city manager for

1243
02:03:39,140 --> 02:03:42,940
are always being attentive, answering emails even in the middle of the light and keeping

1244
02:03:42,940 --> 02:03:46,020
us abreast of how this project has been shaping up.

1245
02:03:46,680 --> 02:03:50,060
As I said, I've lived into common part for 25 years, and I'm looking this way because

1246
02:03:50,060 --> 02:03:53,200
I feel like I'm speaking to everybody here, not just to the council.

1247
02:03:53,680 --> 02:04:00,160
And this has been a very contentious, clearly, tonight situation where people who are friends

1248
02:04:00,160 --> 02:04:05,040
and neighbors, and now maybe enemies have talked about this at every social gathering for

1249
02:04:05,040 --> 02:04:05,700
the last month.

1250
02:04:05,700 --> 02:04:09,960
And my family, we have a joke that this is Parks and Rec, and we are living in Pawnee

1251
02:04:09,960 --> 02:04:12,660
because it's gotten a little bit ridiculous, frankly.

1252
02:04:13,120 --> 02:04:17,920
I think we are all very disturbed by the world we're living in, where immigrant rights,

1253
02:04:18,180 --> 02:04:24,820
LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, environmental rights, et cetera, our own democracy is being

1254
02:04:24,820 --> 02:04:25,340
questioned.

1255
02:04:25,520 --> 02:04:31,100
And maybe that utmost frustration that we have with the government of the United States is filtering

1256
02:04:31,100 --> 02:04:32,880
down to the way we're treating each other.

1257
02:04:32,880 --> 02:04:38,900
But frankly, I am appalled, my quote-unquote leftist credentials have been questions by my

1258
02:04:38,900 --> 02:04:43,360
quote-unquote friends and neighbors, I'm not a true revolutionary, because I support

1259
02:04:43,360 --> 02:04:44,120
the development.

1260
02:04:44,500 --> 02:04:54,080
I believe that the city of Tacoma Park, the council members, and the deputy city manager,

1261
02:04:54,080 --> 02:04:58,060
who happens to be somebody who's known longer than anybody else in this whole room, has

1262
02:04:58,060 --> 02:04:59,980
done due diligence to

1263
02:05:00,000 --> 02:05:28,280
So, the process of listening to what the community wants, no independent local consultant is going to come in and have the capital to do a development there. So, if we don't go forward, we are going to be stuck with a vacant lot, not a community park, not a gathering space, but a vacant lot. I also think that the development is going to bring a lot of more business to the co-op. And in closing, I wanted to look back on the 25 years I've been here.

1264
02:05:28,280 --> 02:05:32,880
I bought a futon at the futon store, recently got rid of it, but that futon lasted a long time.

1265
02:05:33,300 --> 02:05:37,940
My husband and I bought our wedding rings at Finewares, which wasn't Carol Avenue, where the psychic was.

1266
02:05:38,120 --> 02:05:41,360
I don't see them coming out on one way or the other on this project.

1267
02:05:42,780 --> 02:05:47,200
Many of us were disturbed when park pharmacy, when park pharmacy closed.

1268
02:05:47,600 --> 02:05:53,880
But I don't think there's a single one of us in the room who haven't enjoyed the convenience of the corporate CVS.

1269
02:05:53,880 --> 02:05:56,120
And I hate CVS. I'm a health care provider.

1270
02:05:56,320 --> 02:06:01,640
I try to convince people to go to other places to get their medications and not to CVS.

1271
02:06:01,980 --> 02:06:04,200
All of us have benefited from CVS.

1272
02:06:04,500 --> 02:06:11,040
All of us have bought the $12 localist drink at Republic, which is way too expensive.

1273
02:06:11,200 --> 02:06:15,620
The people I work with, the immigrants that I serve as a health care provider can't afford

1274
02:06:15,620 --> 02:06:20,000
to come to, to come apart to eat at Republic, yet we all enjoy it.

1275
02:06:20,000 --> 02:06:24,000
And we all enjoy Ace Hardware, and that is a chain.

1276
02:06:24,400 --> 02:06:32,140
And so I'd like to say that due diligence has been done, and if we take a pause, I'm concerned that we will lose momentum.

1277
02:06:32,240 --> 02:06:32,700
Thank you.

1278
02:06:41,770 --> 02:06:43,290
Good evening, everybody.

1279
02:06:43,870 --> 02:06:50,410
My name is Joanne Malone, and I have lived in Tacoma Park for only 28 years.

1280
02:06:50,610 --> 02:06:55,390
But a good 10 years before that, wanted to live in Tacoma Park.

1281
02:06:55,390 --> 02:07:13,250
And I especially want to thank this speaker who asked us to quietly take a breath for 30 seconds and remember what we love about Tacoma Park.

1282
02:07:15,630 --> 02:07:26,170
I also want to thank those of you that are speaking with a different view, including the speaker right before me.

1283
02:07:26,630 --> 02:07:34,070
And especially the tenure roll too, I assume had to go home to bed, but please tell her she was very eloquent.

1284
02:07:39,180 --> 02:07:45,240
And I want to thank Mayor Stewart and the council members for their patience.

1285
02:07:45,240 --> 02:07:54,100
And for all of the things that you do, do right, of which there are quite a few.

1286
02:08:03,070 --> 02:08:23,770
However, I feel strongly that moving forward with giving up this last small piece of land into Koma Park to a developer without the process that many people have spoken to very eloquently.

1287
02:08:23,770 --> 02:08:33,310
tonight. To finish the mediation, I mean, why can't we wait a month?

1288
02:08:35,470 --> 02:08:38,190
What is so difficult

1289
02:08:38,190 --> 02:08:48,870
about that? I've read Jarrett Smith's resolution. I support it unless you're willing to vote

1290
02:08:48,870 --> 02:08:51,010
No, that's the project outright.

1291
02:08:51,670 --> 02:09:03,090
My main concerns have been expressed, and I'll just repeat, racial equity is one of the very top concerns.

1292
02:09:04,000 --> 02:09:12,250
I am concerned about businesses like Rollins, Barbershop, R&S, Automotives, the Beak from Yoga, and

1293
02:09:12,250 --> 02:09:16,050
many others that are going to be negatively impacted.

1294
02:09:16,050 --> 02:09:20,990
The fire chief has spoken out against this.

1295
02:09:21,850 --> 02:09:32,350
If one life is lost because of traffic blocking a fire department, how can we possibly

1296
02:09:32,350 --> 02:09:41,290
move forward with this without a decent plan for the fire department, for parking, for

1297
02:09:41,290 --> 02:09:45,210
waste, for all of the things that need to be looked at.

1298
02:09:45,210 --> 02:09:47,810
Thank you so much for listening.

1299
02:09:54,150 --> 02:09:59,910
Can I have Robert Patton, Stephen Kern, Ben Rosenthal, and Esther Siegel?

1300
02:10:12,240 --> 02:10:22,320
Robert Patton, Westmoreland Avenue, Board 3. I'm mostly concerned about the process. I haven't been

1301
02:10:22,320 --> 02:10:28,900
involved in the process at all because I really trusted so many great people in the community who

1302
02:10:28,900 --> 02:10:37,980
were working on this task force and who represented us in government. And I want to keep that trust

1303
02:10:37,980 --> 02:10:42,620
and honor the process that we're trying to go through.

1304
02:10:43,620 --> 02:10:46,660
It sounds like some of the people who have come here

1305
02:10:46,660 --> 02:10:51,020
to testify tonight have been a part of that process

1306
02:10:51,020 --> 02:10:54,140
and they maybe feel like some important content

1307
02:10:54,540 --> 02:10:56,240
got lost along the way.

1308
02:10:56,920 --> 02:10:59,860
I think that's really important to listen to.

1309
02:11:00,560 --> 02:11:04,900
I suspect there's a lot of us here tonight on both sides

1310
02:11:04,900 --> 02:11:09,140
who didn't participate in the process before.

1311
02:11:10,020 --> 02:11:15,860
And I think we all need to reflect on how important it is to

1312
02:11:15,860 --> 02:11:21,960
participate and go through the process and not just come in at the end.

1313
02:11:22,660 --> 02:11:27,180
And misrepresent what's happened or

1314
02:11:27,180 --> 02:11:29,980
misrepresent the intentions,

1315
02:11:29,980 --> 02:11:37,420
suggestions, suggesting nefarious kinds of intentions that people have in going through

1316
02:11:37,420 --> 02:11:42,440
this. I think everybody has the best intentions. I think everybody is trying to do the best thing.

1317
02:11:45,600 --> 02:11:52,300
The thing about development in a capitalist society is somebody has to have the money to

1318
02:11:52,300 --> 02:11:58,780
make the development happen and our city probably doesn't have all of that capital.

1319
02:12:00,840 --> 02:12:01,420
I really

1320
02:12:01,420 --> 02:12:09,440
We like all of the idea that we could design a building and a redevelopment by a committee.

1321
02:12:10,280 --> 02:12:12,540
That's a pretty damn hard thing to do.

1322
02:12:12,800 --> 02:12:18,740
I'm not going to be the consultant that facilitates that process, though I have been a consultant

1323
02:12:18,740 --> 02:12:23,560
because it's hard to do art by committee and it's hard to do architecture by committee.

1324
02:12:23,560 --> 02:12:34,380
But I want to urge us to think about if we're going to fully take ownership of this process

1325
02:12:34,860 --> 02:12:41,960
and not take advantage of having a developer which we picked through a process and had

1326
02:12:41,960 --> 02:12:46,860
competition, et cetera, et cetera, that we're going to have to come up with the money to do

1327
02:12:46,860 --> 02:12:49,460
something different with that parcel.

1328
02:12:49,460 --> 02:12:58,900
The one thing I'm glad I think we have almost complete agreement on is just having a parking lot is probably not the best use of that land.

1329
02:13:00,100 --> 02:13:11,460
So as we pursue the alternative, let's pursue it holistically and make sure that we can come up with the money to make it all work.

1330
02:13:23,740 --> 02:13:29,140
Stephen Kern, Woodland Avenue. I'm going off script tonight. I come to you with solutions.

1331
02:13:30,740 --> 02:13:37,340
Solution number one is, I think you have to vote for the Councilman Smith resolution tonight.

1332
02:13:37,580 --> 02:13:42,520
I think what Rachel said, Mayor, I think you were out of the room, maybe you heard over the speaker.

1333
02:13:43,040 --> 02:13:46,760
I think what she said pretty much kills any vote that you would take tonight.

1334
02:13:47,580 --> 02:13:52,880
If you take a vote and you vote, yes, you are poisoning the co-op mediation.

1335
02:13:53,880 --> 02:14:00,380
And so what you're saying by that is you're not going to, and David Corn spoke to this,

1336
02:14:00,400 --> 02:14:03,940
what you're saying is you, you're, it's just lip service you're supporting the co-op.

1337
02:14:03,960 --> 02:14:08,500
So I, I think you have to kill that, and my solution is that's going to make the evening much

1338
02:14:08,500 --> 02:14:09,480
shorter for you guys.

1339
02:14:10,520 --> 02:14:14,780
I honestly think that, my second solution is this, I can solve this problem.

1340
02:14:14,780 --> 02:14:17,280
I can get 90% of this room together.

1341
02:14:18,060 --> 02:14:24,140
If we stick with Tim Males 30,000 limit and we do a public-private partnership with

1342
02:14:24,140 --> 02:14:31,000
Johnny's and make that a park, we've solved two of our big problems and we support the co-op,

1343
02:14:31,220 --> 02:14:35,500
the comedy the co-op by giving them a lane for their trucks, we've solved everything.

1344
02:14:35,780 --> 02:14:37,560
We can actually get this whole room.

1345
02:14:38,100 --> 02:14:40,380
Raise your hand if you guys think you could go for that.

1346
02:14:40,920 --> 02:14:51,340
Guarantee the co-op, keep the development, just wait, I'm not going to get everybody, I'm not going to get everybody,

1347
02:14:51,800 --> 02:14:57,520
keep it under at 30,000 feet or under, and make sure there's a lane for the co-op, can we live with that?

1348
02:14:58,120 --> 02:14:59,960
I mean, I'm in favor of one-

1349
02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:29,880
A big park, okay? But I'm willing to compromise. I can find a compromise, and to me, that's leadership, and you guys have failed. If you go forward with 40% of us, you have failed. It's a complete failure. And if you are believing in this Nixonian silent majority, please, this is to come a park. You have to go forward. You have to go forward with a clear majority of us.

1350
02:15:29,880 --> 02:15:36,100
or this will go on forever? You know, Council Member Schultz said it was a whack-a-mole. It's

1351
02:15:36,100 --> 02:15:40,400
not whack-a-mole. We've asked the same questions. We want to make sure that co-op is safe,

1352
02:15:41,460 --> 02:15:45,700
and we want to make our kids are safe, and we want to make sure we're not going to be paying extra

1353
02:15:45,700 --> 02:15:50,480
money. None of this have been answered. That's not whack-a-mole. We've asked the same questions over and

1354
02:15:50,480 --> 02:15:52,780
over again for four years. You need to answer them.

1355
02:16:03,160 --> 02:16:06,340
Good evening, Mayor and Council and friends and

1356
02:16:06,340 --> 02:16:13,800
members. Ben Rosenthal, I think this week I'm starting my 20th year as a resident on

1357
02:16:14,240 --> 02:16:20,100
Carol Avenue. This whole development is my front yard.

1358
02:16:22,120 --> 02:16:24,760
I think the first thing that I did

1359
02:16:25,740 --> 02:16:33,140
upon moving to the neighborhood was become a member of the co-op. So that's a member 4, 5, 5,

1360
02:16:33,140 --> 02:16:42,920
If anybody needs a discount, I haven't used it yet this month, and it pains me that once

1361
02:16:42,920 --> 02:16:52,000
I reveal what side of this divide I'm on, everyone in the room will then think of everything

1362
02:16:52,000 --> 02:16:59,680
that I have to say through their partisan lens, and this includes people of known for a really

1363
02:16:59,680 --> 02:17:08,860
long time since I am not on Facebook particularly and I don't contribute to the listserv and because

1364
02:17:08,860 --> 02:17:15,560
things have become rather vitriolic, even my rather activist wife has I've noticed,

1365
02:17:15,940 --> 02:17:26,700
refrained from speaking her mind for fear of neighborly reprobation. So I do have a recommendation

1366
02:17:26,700 --> 02:17:32,860
for you, that's the sort of purpose, but mostly I'm here to appeal to everybody in the community.

1367
02:17:36,480 --> 02:17:41,680
I'm proud to be in the Sammy Abbott room and I know that many of the sort of

1368
02:17:42,540 --> 02:17:48,500
foundational values of this community emerged over an oppositional fight around development,

1369
02:17:48,500 --> 02:17:56,120
in that case it was a highway. I'm looking at a picture of what used to be right across the street

1370
02:17:56,120 --> 02:18:03,440
from my house which is what the fire department looked like and I was quite involved as a

1371
02:18:03,440 --> 02:18:11,540
butter of that project in trying to get to what we thought was a workable resolution

1372
02:18:11,540 --> 02:18:17,480
to the counties demand that we improve the fire station or lose it.

1373
02:18:18,880 --> 02:18:22,660
And there were many people at that time who thought we couldn't possibly have anything

1374
02:18:22,660 --> 02:18:28,460
other than that fire station, or we would somehow lose a sense of who we were.

1375
02:18:29,840 --> 02:18:38,860
And we were in a building that needed major re-engineering and many people thought we can't

1376
02:18:38,860 --> 02:18:42,140
possibly go on after the fiasco with the planning of the community center.

1377
02:18:42,280 --> 02:18:49,780
We've gone on, we will go on, we survived a fire department, we survived the community

1378
02:18:49,780 --> 02:18:55,260
I hope, and I think we'll survive this development, however it goes on.

1379
02:18:55,720 --> 02:19:00,500
I do encourage you to move on with the process there, I've revealed my position.

1380
02:19:01,980 --> 02:19:06,560
I think you've done your due diligence and I support you going forward.

1381
02:19:06,660 --> 02:19:13,300
But mostly I appeal to my neighbors not to go to civil war over whatever the outcome is, thank you.

1382
02:19:13,300 --> 02:19:14,140
I'm

1383
02:19:21,410 --> 02:19:24,290
Esther Siegel, Ward 5, 30 years.

1384
02:19:26,490 --> 02:19:33,990
I started writing about, I started every sentence with, you're going to vote in favor of the NDC plan even though.

1385
02:19:34,530 --> 02:19:40,710
And I had about seven, which many, most of people have already said so I don't need to go through all of the even those.

1386
02:19:41,210 --> 02:19:48,890
But I always wonder if you were doing a home renovation and there were so many even those to the development plan.

1387
02:19:48,890 --> 02:19:53,950
Would you actually go through with it just because you're tired and you want to you want to get it done?

1388
02:19:54,410 --> 02:19:59,970
No, you would look for the absolute best. So I was thinking this plan is back

1389
02:20:00,820 --> 02:20:08,920
First and foremost, oh, sorry. First and foremost, the whole traffic issue has to be dealt with before anything can be done.

1390
02:20:10,260 --> 02:20:16,700
And then secondly, can you imagine having incredible town hall meetings discussing what this project would look like?

1391
02:20:16,780 --> 02:20:24,260
We could even have food if we did in a town hall meeting. But to imagine what we could do as a group, and I think that's been said before.

1392
02:20:24,260 --> 02:20:32,880
But listening all these weeks, my number seven is really the one that I am the most deeply, deeply troubled by.

1393
02:20:33,920 --> 02:20:37,240
You plan to vote for the current NDC proposal.

1394
02:20:37,840 --> 02:20:45,820
Even though this particular proposal has caused such devastating divisiveness among your constituents,

1395
02:20:45,820 --> 02:20:59,160
Neighbors being pit against neighbors, horrible things being said towards you and on social media, as well as concerns raised by neighboring businesses and emergency responses.

1396
02:20:59,900 --> 02:21:02,000
We look to you for leadership.

1397
02:21:05,170 --> 02:21:08,270
Part of being a leader is to bring your community together.

1398
02:21:08,270 --> 02:21:15,230
The divisiveness that this is caused, the anger that's in this room, neighbors.

1399
02:21:15,490 --> 02:21:23,510
It is so, it is like a screeching siren that there's something wrong with this project,

1400
02:21:24,310 --> 02:21:26,750
not the people, but the project.

1401
02:21:28,840 --> 02:21:34,840
So I urge you, like everyone else in this room, except the people who didn't urge you,

1402
02:21:34,840 --> 02:21:35,940
to

1403
02:21:38,980 --> 02:22:04,160
support the resolution before you by Jarrod Smith, so that you can open the way to focus on the neglected parts of the city, secure a comprehensive and rational traffic evaluation and plan, and then while we together as a community, not an outside developer, explore and imagine what our public space could be.

1404
02:22:04,660 --> 02:22:05,000
Thank you.

1405
02:22:05,000 --> 02:22:05,700
Great.

1406
02:22:14,690 --> 02:22:21,470
Next, I had Stephen Tells, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Louise House, and Mike Royce.

1407
02:22:23,320 --> 02:22:24,640
Steve Tells still here?

1408
02:22:24,900 --> 02:22:26,480
So you have to get back to us again.

1409
02:22:26,700 --> 02:22:30,320
Okay. So I have Sarah Fitzpatrick, Louise House, and Mike Royce.

1410
02:22:41,500 --> 02:22:44,580
Hi. My name is Sarah Fitzpatrick. I just wanted to speak very briefly.

1411
02:22:46,180 --> 02:22:50,780
And ask that somebody on the council, second chair at Smith's alternate resolution,

1412
02:22:50,780 --> 02:22:55,000
so that at least one public discussion can be had on its merits.

1413
02:22:55,680 --> 02:23:00,820
I support the passage of the resolution, but at least if we can have a discussion,

1414
02:23:01,680 --> 02:23:07,780
I think that's really valuable. I do not support NDC's plan in either its details or its spirit.

1415
02:23:08,680 --> 02:23:14,640
Please vote no on the resolution to approve this plan and move with purpose and love for all to come apart residents

1416
02:23:14,640 --> 02:23:17,960
to commit this public land for equitable use for all. Thank you.

1417
02:23:17,960 --> 02:23:18,820
Hi.

1418
02:23:26,130 --> 02:23:32,210
My name is Louise Howells. I've lived in Ward 3's in the same house since 1991 when

1419
02:23:32,210 --> 02:23:38,530
I moved here with my family. I, before I came here, I was, I lived in the city of Houston

1420
02:23:38,530 --> 02:23:43,670
and I was at a senior city attorney and I worked on development issues for them, community

1421
02:23:43,670 --> 02:23:48,830
development issues. Since I've been here, I've been a professor of law and I run an economic

1422
02:23:48,830 --> 02:23:54,690
development law clinic and I also study development and the law and how it affects people

1423
02:23:54,690 --> 02:24:01,670
in their communities. So I come at this from both a professional stance as well as I live

1424
02:24:01,670 --> 02:24:07,510
here. I walk my dog, I shop at the co-op. I can't believe that people don't know what co-ops

1425
02:24:07,510 --> 02:24:12,090
are, that they don't understand that they're not private entities and that they're owned

1426
02:24:12,090 --> 02:24:17,170
by people, that they're public entities in a very strongest way.

1427
02:24:20,630 --> 02:24:28,570
So, I have studied different projects across this country in my academic work, and I have

1428
02:24:28,570 --> 02:24:34,490
seen communities do it right, and I have seen communities find ways to create public space

1429
02:24:34,490 --> 02:24:40,310
that's not an extension of the sidewalk on smaller places, in smaller places, to make space

1430
02:24:40,310 --> 02:24:45,950
that's comfortable for people and to provide real rights within the documents that support

1431
02:24:45,950 --> 02:24:59,910
the project. Legal rights. I am a guest when I'm actually going to use this project in my law and economics class and I'm going to teach this fall because it's going to be compared with other projects across the city.

1432
02:25:00,000 --> 02:25:29,720
And I'm going to ask my students to examine it and compare them and find out what's right and what's wrong and what should be done and what shouldn't be done. And I just think not that this is a bad path to go along, but that so far you've got it wrong. There's a lot that's wrong about this that needs to be corrected. It can be corrected as so many people have said here. What am I talking about? Many people have talked about the environment, but I really am about public ownership and capital. The public's right to control.

1433
02:25:29,720 --> 02:25:35,600
its own capital wealth. This is our capital wealth, it is part of our space, it is part

1434
02:25:35,600 --> 02:25:40,460
of our commons, and we need to have control over it, and you've heard many people here

1435
02:25:40,460 --> 02:25:44,800
tonight say that they don't think they have that. And I think if you can't understand

1436
02:25:44,800 --> 02:25:51,180
the difference between a good faith comment, a will try our hardest, provision in a contract,

1437
02:25:51,180 --> 02:25:58,300
and a very concrete, very well developed, very contractually enforceable right of people

1438
02:25:58,300 --> 02:26:02,160
to uses of space, then I think you need to go back to the drawing board.

1439
02:26:02,640 --> 02:26:08,220
If one of my students were to have produced the documents that I have read, they would

1440
02:26:08,220 --> 02:26:11,620
not pass my course because they are to pay.

1441
02:26:13,810 --> 02:26:16,210
Dagnness is not good public policy.

1442
02:26:16,970 --> 02:26:20,010
So I'm here as a teacher, I guess I apologize for that.

1443
02:26:20,670 --> 02:26:25,110
But the other thing is, I think economically I'm not an economist but I read the economists.

1444
02:26:25,830 --> 02:26:29,070
And the economists are telling us, I don't get them.

1445
02:26:29,070 --> 02:26:30,310
I have to time that.

1446
02:26:30,590 --> 02:26:31,090
I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

1447
02:26:31,510 --> 02:26:32,390
Okay, but thank you.

1448
02:26:32,630 --> 02:26:33,110
Thank you.

1449
02:26:33,110 --> 02:26:35,310
You will learn that we are moving to a slow growth.

1450
02:26:35,590 --> 02:26:36,030
Thank you.

1451
02:26:36,150 --> 02:26:37,830
A slow growth economy.

1452
02:26:38,210 --> 02:26:38,870
Thank you.

1453
02:26:51,000 --> 02:26:51,520
Good evening.

1454
02:26:51,940 --> 02:26:53,120
My name is Mike Reist.

1455
02:26:53,220 --> 02:26:55,180
I live in Ward 1 on Park Avenue.

1456
02:26:56,340 --> 02:26:59,860
Regarding the Tacoma Junction revitalization effort,

1457
02:27:00,520 --> 02:27:03,560
after attending many city council meetings over the last year,

1458
02:27:04,240 --> 02:27:06,520
I have noticed that many comments made by some residents

1459
02:27:06,520 --> 02:27:09,780
have been made based on an underlying presumption of fear.

1460
02:27:10,420 --> 02:27:14,500
Fair of gentrification, fear of serious implications for diversity,

1461
02:27:15,000 --> 02:27:19,680
fear of serious implications for the quality of life, fear that traffic will only worsen,

1462
02:27:20,160 --> 02:27:23,300
fear that children will not be able to safely cross the street,

1463
02:27:23,920 --> 02:27:26,600
fear that there won't be enough parking for the co-op patrons,

1464
02:27:27,260 --> 02:27:29,040
fear that the co-op will go out of business.

1465
02:27:29,940 --> 02:27:34,040
But unlike the small percentage of residents who believe this project will only bring problems,

1466
02:27:34,420 --> 02:27:38,300
I, along with the overwhelming majority of residents that I have spoken with,

1467
02:27:38,300 --> 02:27:42,780
see how this project will bring positive benefits and opportunities to the city.

1468
02:27:43,470 --> 02:27:49,860
The redevelopment and revitalization of Tacoma Junction will create a vibrant area with

1469
02:27:49,860 --> 02:27:54,760
new offerings that residents and visitors alike will be drawn to, it will create employment

1470
02:27:54,760 --> 02:28:00,580
opportunities for local residents, it will create a more walkable city, it will be the

1471
02:28:00,580 --> 02:28:06,000
impetus for the state to reconfigure the existing poorly designed intersection into an intersection

1472
02:28:06,000 --> 02:28:11,660
that is greatly, that greatly improves the circulation of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.

1473
02:28:12,700 --> 02:28:18,740
It will create a new revenue source for the city that can be used for important city programs.

1474
02:28:20,040 --> 02:28:23,000
Change is never easy, but always possible.

1475
02:28:24,240 --> 02:28:26,380
This is a quote by someone we all know.

1476
02:28:27,540 --> 02:28:31,080
Change is never easy, but always possible.

1477
02:28:31,660 --> 02:28:33,280
This quote is from Barack Obama.

1478
02:28:33,280 --> 02:28:38,960
Please make this change a reality by voting yes for the resolution before you tonight.

1479
02:28:39,380 --> 02:28:43,680
The overwhelming majority of the city and I will thank you and support you.

1480
02:28:44,360 --> 02:28:46,300
Mayor Stewart, thank you for your leadership.

1481
02:28:48,590 --> 02:28:55,910
Regarding the recall effort, if the city of Tacoma Park is a nuclear free zone,

1482
02:28:56,330 --> 02:29:01,670
then why are there some residents that have chosen the nuclear option of starting a recall campaign

1483
02:29:01,670 --> 02:29:06,990
for certain members of the City Council who are only doing the job they were elected to do.

1484
02:29:10,710 --> 02:29:11,570
Thank you for listening.

1485
02:29:17,590 --> 02:29:24,770
Great, and I have Mike Taver, Barbara Arnold, sorry, and James Anderson.

1486
02:29:28,070 --> 02:29:35,710
My wife's last words to me was, please be good, so I'll try.

1487
02:29:36,330 --> 02:29:39,390
I often feel since I knew Sammy Abbott pretty well.

1488
02:29:39,390 --> 02:29:42,490
I mean, I was in my 20s, but I knew him as a fellow activist.

1489
02:29:43,030 --> 02:29:49,310
I didn't know why I always felt like I was channeling somebody, whatever I was in this place.

1490
02:29:49,850 --> 02:29:56,710
In this case, interestingly enough, I'm probably channeling my wife because I've reached

1491
02:29:56,710 --> 02:29:59,990
is totally independently of what she said.

1492
02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:29,060
Some similar conclusions. So my, but my first question is why would you trust? Why would any of you trust, or any of you in this room? Trust a developer? Why? I don't get it. Once that whole is dug, it's dug. There's no going back. They have only one interest making money. Why wouldn't you trust?

1493
02:30:29,060 --> 02:30:38,540
Trust the views of the people in this room, who over the past years 80% of whom have said

1494
02:30:38,540 --> 02:30:45,380
we don't want to go ahead, why wouldn't you agree with Jarrett and postponing this?

1495
02:30:45,560 --> 02:30:46,200
I don't get that.

1496
02:30:46,740 --> 02:30:47,720
I don't get it.

1497
02:30:48,320 --> 02:30:58,760
So the second, and here's my wife being channeled, the level of anger that I feel here and

1498
02:30:58,760 --> 02:31:03,520
amongst my neighbors, the divisiveness, big factor in this.

1499
02:31:04,570 --> 02:31:11,640
The level of anger, pettingness, negativity, and accusatory conduct between neighbors,

1500
02:31:11,980 --> 02:31:19,060
both in our district, has already accomplished the job of dividing neighbors and neighborhoods.

1501
02:31:20,530 --> 02:31:25,800
If the development goes forward, it will do so in a less unified,

1502
02:31:25,800 --> 02:31:29,400
the less progressive and more divided to come apart.

1503
02:31:30,200 --> 02:31:35,660
The hearings are not a numbers game where people clap and

1504
02:31:35,660 --> 02:31:39,800
applaud with those they agree with or those they don't.

1505
02:31:40,400 --> 02:31:43,840
If it goes forward, we're all the losers.

1506
02:31:45,960 --> 02:31:50,260
I already feel differently about neighbors and

1507
02:31:50,260 --> 02:31:51,820
the neighborhoods in my community.

1508
02:31:51,820 --> 02:31:56,260
If it goes forward, I feel those differences will only increase.

1509
02:31:56,880 --> 02:31:59,300
Please vote this proposal down.

1510
02:31:59,600 --> 02:32:07,160
Let's start again with a more modest, simple, and more funky plan.

1511
02:32:07,840 --> 02:32:09,240
That's to come apart.

1512
02:32:09,400 --> 02:32:11,460
Do I have a minute, by the way, left or what does that mean?

1513
02:32:11,520 --> 02:32:12,000
20 seconds.

1514
02:32:12,280 --> 02:32:16,220
30 seconds, go to Bethesda co-op.

1515
02:32:16,440 --> 02:32:21,800
Bethesda co-op used to employ 70 full-time employees in downtown Bethesda.

1516
02:32:21,800 --> 02:32:27,200
Go there on a Sunday, you'll see three employees and hardly any customers.

1517
02:32:27,720 --> 02:32:31,560
I think that's one of the fates we all fear, will happen if you go forward.

1518
02:32:39,740 --> 02:32:41,120
Ms. Barbara Arno, still here?

1519
02:32:42,220 --> 02:32:42,700
Yeah.

1520
02:32:43,640 --> 02:32:45,100
And after her, we're James Anderson.

1521
02:32:45,700 --> 02:32:45,860
Good

1522
02:32:49,090 --> 02:32:49,790
evening to all.

1523
02:32:50,570 --> 02:32:53,990
I think this is my third time speaking to this issue.

1524
02:32:56,530 --> 02:33:01,570
And before I get into some of the details of it, I would like to emphasize

1525
02:33:01,570 --> 02:33:08,090
the importance of the courage to change your mind and to listen to that little voice

1526
02:33:08,090 --> 02:33:17,710
inside of you at night and to think about how you will feel inside if you actually go

1527
02:33:17,710 --> 02:33:24,210
forward with this weather solution without allowing the time for the co-op to finish with

1528
02:33:24,210 --> 02:33:27,550
the arbitration and without at least seconding

1529
02:33:27,550 --> 02:33:32,490
and considering the prospects of Mr. Smith's alternate

1530
02:33:32,490 --> 02:33:33,390
resolution.

1531
02:33:34,430 --> 02:33:36,050
So you're going to be alone at night

1532
02:33:36,050 --> 02:33:38,730
and that little voice or your conscious, you know?

1533
02:33:39,450 --> 02:33:40,870
It's going to be eating at you.

1534
02:33:41,030 --> 02:33:43,490
Even if you move on to bigger political office,

1535
02:33:44,350 --> 02:33:46,870
it will have eaten at your soul.

1536
02:33:49,840 --> 02:33:52,340
And we all know about the portrait of Dorian Gray.

1537
02:33:54,020 --> 02:34:06,560
Well, maybe if you haven't read that though, okay, so anyway, people mentioned town hall

1538
02:34:06,560 --> 02:34:08,820
meetings and I had mentioned it to a friend of mine recently.

1539
02:34:08,820 --> 02:34:13,280
I think it's a great idea and it would allow for more back and forth discussion.

1540
02:34:13,500 --> 02:34:18,540
Here I'm able to give you my views and you smile and you nod your head, but then I never

1541
02:34:18,540 --> 02:34:23,540
really get, we never really have a chance, I never get a chance to hear how you feel about

1542
02:34:23,540 --> 02:34:31,980
my view and what works and what doesn't work and how it can move forward and how some

1543
02:34:31,980 --> 02:34:36,060
of my ideas or other people's ideas can be worked together.

1544
02:34:36,640 --> 02:34:39,260
So town hall meetings for the future.

1545
02:34:41,160 --> 02:34:46,980
So most of us choose to live here and what we like to about it is that it is a progressive

1546
02:34:46,980 --> 02:34:51,240
community or it has the reputation for being a progressive community.

1547
02:34:52,220 --> 02:34:57,220
From the onset, I didn't know too much about this process, I wasn't a part of it initially,

1548
02:34:57,220 --> 02:34:59,300
but I was really concerned.

1549
02:35:00,000 --> 02:35:21,280
That the developers who won the project did not honor the RFP stipulations, the request for proposal stipulations. There were a number of changes and things that were not honored, such as in particular public space. That has really not been addressed.

1550
02:35:23,300 --> 02:35:29,860
Oops. Okay. My other really big concern is for such a developer

1551
02:35:29,860 --> 02:35:36,260
where to not have the lack of professional renderings is a real concern because a sketch

1552
02:35:36,260 --> 02:35:40,960
can hide a lot of woes.

1553
02:35:42,420 --> 02:35:49,060
And a professional rendering should have the neighboring buildings that co-op the fire

1554
02:35:49,060 --> 02:35:54,200
station so that it's clear how it works and if you were in the sound of your time.

1555
02:35:54,380 --> 02:35:54,980
Thank you.

1556
02:35:55,500 --> 02:35:59,480
So anywhere I would like to see professional renderings and I would like to see this

1557
02:35:59,480 --> 02:36:00,300
It's placed on the whole.

1558
02:36:00,720 --> 02:36:01,060
Thank you.

1559
02:36:08,770 --> 02:36:10,150
Yes, good evening.

1560
02:36:10,710 --> 02:36:14,830
I'm James Anderson, I'm a resident of Ward 1 for over 20 years.

1561
02:36:15,550 --> 02:36:19,130
We moved into Tacoma Park because of the values that it represents.

1562
02:36:19,650 --> 02:36:23,570
And when we brought up our children, that was something that we were very proud of.

1563
02:36:23,990 --> 02:36:30,350
Frankly, this process that we've all gone through, I think is something we all collectively should be very ashamed of.

1564
02:36:30,730 --> 02:36:35,370
What I'm asking the council to do is to just make a decision.

1565
02:36:35,370 --> 02:36:46,010
I am not convinced that delaying the process will, in any way, further bringing the community back together again.

1566
02:36:46,610 --> 02:37:00,950
I've been at social events, I've been walking on the streets, and frankly the behavior that has been exhibited by both sides have not set the example that I think we all want to set for our children and for our neighbors.

1567
02:37:00,950 --> 02:37:03,250
And it frankly is not what we represent.

1568
02:37:03,710 --> 02:37:07,410
We just need to move on with this, whatever the decision is.

1569
02:37:07,790 --> 02:37:11,030
Both parties need to live with it and support it.

1570
02:37:11,470 --> 02:37:16,330
Frankly, I just don't believe that delaying it is going to be in anyone's best interest.

1571
02:37:16,870 --> 02:37:22,910
Either we're for it or we're against it, but a middle ground is just going to continue to tear this community apart.

1572
02:37:23,250 --> 02:37:23,650
Thank you.

1573
02:37:23,650 --> 02:37:24,610
I

1574
02:37:30,620 --> 02:37:36,440
have Joni Eisenberg, Ted Jacobson, and Jenny Evans-Mier.

1575
02:38:01,120 --> 02:38:03,640
Good evening. I'm Joni Eisenberg.

1576
02:38:03,920 --> 02:38:07,180
I've lived in Tacoma Park for 39 years.

1577
02:38:08,040 --> 02:38:12,600
And I hope to live tonight to be here when you vote

1578
02:38:12,600 --> 02:38:18,580
for Jarrett Smith's proposal to vote for the alternate plan

1579
02:38:18,580 --> 02:38:21,620
and not move ahead with a plan that

1580
02:38:21,620 --> 02:38:26,380
that is so fraught with problems, questions, and concerns.

1581
02:38:27,300 --> 02:38:31,200
I moved here because of the different values

1582
02:38:31,640 --> 02:38:33,580
that Tacoma Park represents.

1583
02:38:34,280 --> 02:38:38,260
We are still the only jurisdiction in Maryland

1584
02:38:38,260 --> 02:38:39,680
that has rent control.

1585
02:38:40,300 --> 02:38:42,780
That's the reason why I live here, one reason.

1586
02:38:43,640 --> 02:38:49,140
We have a precious co-op, which I walk to every day.

1587
02:38:49,140 --> 02:39:01,960
And we have the history of a community that stood up against development of an eight-lane highway which was considered to be a feta-complete.

1588
02:39:02,520 --> 02:39:06,340
No one imagined that that eight-lane highway could be defeated.

1589
02:39:06,880 --> 02:39:18,100
But Sammy Abbott and many others stood up and said, not in this lane are we going to allow eight and eight-lane highway to come through the town.

1590
02:39:18,100 --> 02:39:25,720
And there were people probably like you who turned that decision around and said no, we're

1591
02:39:25,720 --> 02:39:27,280
going to stop that eight lane highway.

1592
02:39:27,820 --> 02:39:34,380
And what came up instead of that highway has been the Metro, responsible development.

1593
02:39:35,200 --> 02:39:40,880
And you know, Sammy Abbott, I've had this sign in my living room for 30 years and I just

1594
02:39:40,880 --> 02:39:44,760
realized it's more relevant today than ever.

1595
02:39:44,760 --> 02:39:52,200
Sammy Abbott said Tacoma Park preserve it or lose it and when we think about

1596
02:39:52,200 --> 02:39:58,740
99 years ago from today which was 19, 19 women didn't have the right to vote

1597
02:39:58,740 --> 02:39:59,920
we didn't have

1598
02:40:00,000 --> 02:40:29,680
We didn't have the threat of nuclear war yet. We didn't even have cars. So how can we imagine what this developer would do with the United States? 99 years from now, which is 2117? How can we trust a developer to preserve our precious Takoma Park and make sure it's a place that respects the environment, respects diversity of people.

1599
02:40:29,680 --> 02:40:38,040
Respects, people's right to rent a home that's affordable, we are demanding and

1600
02:40:38,040 --> 02:40:43,900
respectively asking you to vote for Jarrett Smith's alternate proposal.

1601
02:40:52,800 --> 02:40:54,920
Good evening, I'm Ted Jacobson.

1602
02:40:55,220 --> 02:40:59,160
I've lived in Tacoma Park for 30 years and I'm from Ward 2.

1603
02:41:00,640 --> 02:41:07,120
I don't think I've ever been more involved in any public or political issue than this home grown one.

1604
02:41:07,120 --> 02:41:12,860
and so it's clear that there are passionate feelings on some sides.

1605
02:41:14,180 --> 02:41:16,840
We should not find ourselves in this conflict.

1606
02:41:18,580 --> 02:41:23,780
I think the main reason we do find ourselves in it is that the scope of the project has inflated

1607
02:41:24,420 --> 02:41:32,060
beyond the original scale that was proposed by NDC and that the council did not resist that

1608
02:41:32,560 --> 02:41:33,800
and allowed it to happen.

1609
02:41:34,700 --> 02:41:47,820
And so we find ourselves in it, but I think it's a false conflict, because I think that it's possible to please mostly everyone, this comment was made earlier and I hardly agree with it.

1610
02:41:48,460 --> 02:41:56,100
The proponents of the plan, the NDC plan, want to see the law developed, most of the opponents do as well.

1611
02:41:56,100 --> 02:42:01,200
I think that both groups could be relatively pleased by the same development,

1612
02:42:01,480 --> 02:42:04,900
just not one of the scale in the current plan.

1613
02:42:05,380 --> 02:42:09,340
So I urge you to support the alternative resolution.

1614
02:42:09,840 --> 02:42:16,680
I beseech you to recognize that you can achieve harmony and progress that way.

1615
02:42:17,240 --> 02:42:25,260
And that in fact, is your responsibility as democratically elected representatives.

1616
02:42:26,100 --> 02:42:38,560
to do so. I cannot imagine how you could view it as correct, to move forward with a current plan given the huge amount of opposition in the community.

1617
02:42:49,530 --> 02:43:01,970
Good evening. My name is Jenny Evans. I'm a resident of Hilton Avenue in Ward 2. I'd like to read a statement that was sent as an email today to mayor Stewart and our Councilwoman DiValla.

1618
02:43:02,450 --> 02:43:08,650
Dear Cindy and Kate, we are writing to you as residents of ward two in connection with today's vote on the Tacoma Junction Project.

1619
02:43:09,250 --> 02:43:13,550
First, we want to thank you both for your leadership and openness during this debate.

1620
02:43:13,930 --> 02:43:15,550
Sometimes heated, though it may have been.

1621
02:43:16,190 --> 02:43:20,750
We are very appreciative of your thoughtful and deliberate consideration of the junction proposal

1622
02:43:20,750 --> 02:43:24,430
and the important role that you have played in making sure all sides could be heard.

1623
02:43:24,430 --> 02:43:32,710
We want to take this opportunity to underscore that we remain strong supporters of the project and we hope you both can vote yes to move forward with the development.

1624
02:43:33,230 --> 02:43:41,350
We believe this project reflects to come apart values and our shared commitment to improving our community and respecting our diverse population and needs.

1625
02:43:42,010 --> 02:43:45,010
We hope you will reject any resolution to postpone this vote.

1626
02:43:45,010 --> 02:43:49,930
After more than 20 years of debate about the use of the land, a comprehensive review of

1627
02:43:49,930 --> 02:43:55,230
the proposal on the table and an open and transparent process, we strongly believe now is

1628
02:43:55,230 --> 02:43:57,710
the time to take positive action and move forward.

1629
02:43:58,310 --> 02:44:02,150
As Ward 2 residents, many of whom have been here tonight, but many of whom are not able

1630
02:44:02,150 --> 02:44:08,210
to be here because of either travel plans or childcare issues, we hope we can count on your

1631
02:44:08,210 --> 02:44:08,550
votes.

1632
02:44:09,050 --> 02:44:13,350
Many thanks, members below signed, of the Long Branch Sligo Creek neighborhood.

1633
02:44:13,350 --> 02:44:20,230
Kasey Brown, Sam Brown, Kelly Gibson, Caleb Gibson, Jessica Heppen, Jessica Heppen, Cesar

1634
02:44:20,230 --> 02:44:25,290
Abanas, Kurt Kershaw, Dina Hickson, Michael Bevington, Ben Bevington, Carries Azario,

1635
02:44:25,510 --> 02:44:30,170
Jim Woodworth, Sarah Goldberg, Josh Goldberg, Beth McNairn, Ian McNairn, Megan Holland,

1636
02:44:30,310 --> 02:44:35,670
McDonald's, Tucker McDonald, Janet Maxx, Jeffrey Maxx, Margaret McDonald, Claire Andrews,

1637
02:44:35,670 --> 02:44:44,050
Arla Stevens, Nathan Goldstein, Leah Salza, David, sorry, I forgot a couple who wanted

1638
02:44:44,050 --> 02:44:48,970
to be added, but my husband Ed Muir and myself Jenny Evans Muir, thank you very much.

1639
02:44:57,200 --> 02:44:59,760
Great, now can I have Jeff?

1640
02:45:00,000 --> 02:45:07,340
Make something from Ethan Allen Avenue. Sorry, and Kenneth Burton, Susan Hoffman.

1641
02:45:11,970 --> 02:45:33,110
I'm Jeff McQueen at Ethan Allen Avenue, and that's passed my bedtime, but I will try to speak in coherently, but I don't know much about politics. I'm a scientist. I didn't, and I don't have a resist shirt, and I've only been here six, five years, really. But I do have a dog.

1642
02:45:33,110 --> 02:45:41,090
And I had a page, someone to, you know, an arborist to go look at my dead tree so I can take it down.

1643
02:45:41,690 --> 02:45:48,830
So this is what a lot of what what what what what what what to come apart represents to me is that we are very environmentally conservative.

1644
02:45:50,070 --> 02:45:57,970
And we care about the environment and how it affects not only the dogs or the trees or the asalus but people as well.

1645
02:45:58,850 --> 02:46:07,290
and I'm a meteorological modeler and what we've seen here is traffic. Traffic is

1646
02:46:07,290 --> 02:46:14,470
the killer, the silent killer, things that you do not see are the junk that

1647
02:46:14,470 --> 02:46:19,510
comes out of idling cars and trucks and buses. So the more you increase that

1648
02:46:19,510 --> 02:46:26,350
pattern, the worse your air becomes and to come apart is really a very

1649
02:46:26,350 --> 02:46:30,450
progressive town, but it's probably one of the dirtiest air pollution town in Maryland.

1650
02:46:31,170 --> 02:46:36,290
So it's kind of a contradiction or hypocrisy of what we really represent and what we want

1651
02:46:36,290 --> 02:46:36,590
to be.

1652
02:46:37,290 --> 02:46:41,850
Because that air, you know, from our modeling studies show that it's an enabled scale, it

1653
02:46:41,850 --> 02:46:47,050
just doesn't stay on Ethan Allen, doesn't say it actually kind of seeps down and goes into

1654
02:46:47,050 --> 02:46:50,610
the valleys like an ailment on Sycamore and Woodlands.

1655
02:46:51,370 --> 02:46:54,090
And it kind of seeps down and just kind of gets stuck down there.

1656
02:46:54,090 --> 02:47:09,330
And that air is plenty of studies are showing, you know, how it affects mainly the most sensitive, the most vulnerable people who are the elderly and sadly the children like my, like my little girl as well.

1657
02:47:09,330 --> 02:47:16,490
And it's really, you know, you're talking about carcinogens instead of that.

1658
02:47:17,010 --> 02:47:23,010
So the key here is to, at all costs, don't increase the traffic problem, but do you think

1659
02:47:23,010 --> 02:47:28,650
that are going to probably try to alleviate it a little bit more than what we have today?

1660
02:47:29,630 --> 02:47:31,370
That's really the direction that we've done.

1661
02:47:31,470 --> 02:47:35,370
I think all most neighborhoods are going to be looking at in the future at these new studies

1662
02:47:35,370 --> 02:47:35,950
come out.

1663
02:47:36,790 --> 02:47:39,810
But you've got to start seeing neighborhoods, we just saw a neighborhood scale.

1664
02:47:40,550 --> 02:47:45,290
Heat index maps, one of the hottest, most awful places to live in Washington, you've got

1665
02:47:45,290 --> 02:47:46,870
to see the same thing about air quality.

1666
02:47:47,910 --> 02:47:54,810
And to come apart could be this really green city that's surrounded by a cloud of very

1667
02:47:54,810 --> 02:47:57,490
brown and dirty and dangerous air.

1668
02:47:57,730 --> 02:48:00,330
So we need to, that's all I know about.

1669
02:48:00,390 --> 02:48:05,930
I don't know politics, I don't know much about it, but I do know whether, and I do know

1670
02:48:05,930 --> 02:48:13,090
And I think it's really critical that we consider the impacts of traffic, not only the quality of life, but the quality of the year.

1671
02:48:13,830 --> 02:48:14,550
So thank you.

1672
02:48:24,860 --> 02:48:26,100
Hello, my name is Kenneth Burton.

1673
02:48:26,680 --> 02:48:28,060
I'm a member of the co-op.

1674
02:48:28,700 --> 02:48:31,720
And my husband and I are six year residents of award one.

1675
02:48:33,320 --> 02:48:35,520
For those in this highly charged room,

1676
02:48:35,720 --> 02:48:37,840
I'm going to say that I respect your views.

1677
02:48:38,260 --> 02:48:41,240
And I hope you will respect my right to express mine.

1678
02:48:42,200 --> 02:48:46,800
It's harder to come out and support this project than it was to come out as a proud gay man.

1679
02:48:51,050 --> 02:48:56,110
I support, thank you, I support moving forward on the current site plan.

1680
02:48:56,590 --> 02:49:02,950
This is the culmination of a four year inclusive, probably plus, inclusive process.

1681
02:49:03,490 --> 02:49:11,250
I support adding a mix of new small and local businesses, and the jobs this will bring on what's currently a parking lot.

1682
02:49:11,250 --> 02:49:36,590
And to be honest, I have to drive past Tacoma Junction to do most of my shopping in Langley Park, and at home I have one of those collapsible shopping carts in the basement that's getting dusty that I would love to use in this town, but without a mix of businesses that will reinforce each other, I'm going to have to continue to drive past the parking lot that caps a landfill so I can buy what I need in other places.

1683
02:49:36,590 --> 02:49:42,370
I urge you to please move forward with this project and I urge the community to move forward

1684
02:49:42,370 --> 02:49:45,750
with respect for one another regardless of what happens.

1685
02:49:46,010 --> 02:49:46,510
Thank you.

1686
02:49:53,200 --> 02:49:59,860
Madame Mayor and members of the City Council, Susan Huffman, I'm in board.

1687
02:50:00,000 --> 02:50:28,820
Number three, I'm going to speak briefly. I urge you to vote for Council Member Smith's alternative resolution. As time has gone on, we have come to realize the huge ramifications and possibly unintended consequences. The proposed junction will have in terms of safety and economic justice. Please take the same care you are taking with the purple line.

1688
02:50:28,820 --> 02:50:36,460
and protect us, and local businesses, and vote for the alternative resolution.

1689
02:50:36,880 --> 02:50:37,380
Thank you.

1690
02:50:43,980 --> 02:50:48,280
Jordy Hannum, Dennis Halfman, Joseph Klockner.

1691
02:50:57,380 --> 02:50:58,840
Hello, Jordy Hannum, Ward 3.

1692
02:50:59,280 --> 02:51:03,900
I support the Tacoma Junction revitalization I've lived in Tacoma Park for 10 years.

1693
02:51:04,620 --> 02:51:09,580
And I've lived on Sherman Avenue for five years, and I actually want to share the views of the fellow Sherman Avenue.

1694
02:51:09,580 --> 02:51:16,420
have a night, Kathy Anderson, we had a coffee a few months back and she relayed that 20

1695
02:51:16,420 --> 02:51:23,220
years ago, a similar project, a similar scope was denied for many of the same reasons

1696
02:51:23,220 --> 02:51:27,520
discussed today. And for 20 years, we've lived with what everyone

1697
02:51:27,520 --> 02:51:33,360
agrees is an eye sore and a place that should have development. And we don't want to see

1698
02:51:33,360 --> 02:51:38,800
another 20 years go by. At that time, they said, we just need a little more time that there's

1699
02:51:38,800 --> 02:51:40,140
another project while there wasn't.

1700
02:51:40,400 --> 02:51:41,640
It is time for this.

1701
02:51:42,020 --> 02:51:45,560
The fact is there's not a consensus on a logical plan B,

1702
02:51:46,100 --> 02:51:48,520
and I strongly support moving forward today.

1703
02:51:49,060 --> 02:51:51,480
I also just want to say one other thing about the process.

1704
02:51:52,000 --> 02:51:56,160
I work a lot on Capitol Hill, and over the past months and years

1705
02:51:56,160 --> 02:51:59,440
I've been heartened by this full sum and lengthy debate.

1706
02:51:59,780 --> 02:52:02,640
My God, if only Congress, and a quarter of the time,

1707
02:52:02,840 --> 02:52:04,440
debating things like that,

1708
02:52:04,440 --> 02:52:09,880
that abominable tax bill or the upcoming Supreme Court, we'd be in much better place.

1709
02:52:11,060 --> 02:52:19,440
This process has been something worthy of respect, this process put forward by the council and mayor.

1710
02:52:19,560 --> 02:52:26,600
And whatever the outcome of tonight, I would respect that because there's been strong support on both sides and

1711
02:52:26,600 --> 02:52:28,540
strong reason debate.

1712
02:52:28,540 --> 02:52:35,400
So, I was so dismayed to hear about the recall, the recall effort.

1713
02:52:35,940 --> 02:52:41,480
And, again, regardless of what one thinks, the job of the council and the mayor is not

1714
02:52:41,480 --> 02:52:43,980
to come up with something that everyone agrees with.

1715
02:52:44,640 --> 02:52:50,960
Their job is to hold forward a debate where people can come and share their views over a

1716
02:52:50,960 --> 02:52:54,500
period of time and listen to a range of views, and they've done that.

1717
02:52:54,500 --> 02:52:58,660
And then their job is to articulate a rationale for their viewpoint.

1718
02:52:59,240 --> 02:53:03,220
And if you look at the mayor's blog post, if you look at what my council member,

1719
02:53:03,360 --> 02:53:07,900
Kostik wrote a few days ago, if you listen to what Councilwoman Ciarcy said on the

1720
02:53:07,900 --> 02:53:11,640
Code Joe show, these are well-articulated reasons.

1721
02:53:11,860 --> 02:53:16,080
Again, even if you don't agree, I haven't always agreed with some of the views of

1722
02:53:16,080 --> 02:53:19,360
Councilman Kovar, but there have been so well-articulated and recent.

1723
02:53:19,500 --> 02:53:23,820
And that's their job to put forward, to listen, and then put forward reasons.

1724
02:53:23,820 --> 02:53:24,700
and they've done that.

1725
02:53:25,200 --> 02:53:31,340
And I think their work should be applauded and not recalled.

1726
02:53:31,620 --> 02:53:31,940
Thank you.

1727
02:53:41,450 --> 02:53:44,750
Dennis Huffman, word three, thank you for this opportunity.

1728
02:53:45,310 --> 02:53:50,190
I urge you to support the alternative resolution because I'm concerned about traffic.

1729
02:53:50,850 --> 02:53:53,590
I'm concerned about the survival of the co-op.

1730
02:53:54,250 --> 02:53:58,310
I'm concerned about the survival of minority businesses, and

1731
02:53:58,310 --> 02:54:01,030
I'm concerned about the need to build equity in the city.

1732
02:54:02,710 --> 02:54:05,750
Of course, I'm also concerned that the project feels inevitable.

1733
02:54:06,550 --> 02:54:10,910
If it moves forward and it turns out so many of us were wrong,

1734
02:54:11,770 --> 02:54:15,230
I for one won't mind a bit admitting that I was wrong.

1735
02:54:16,730 --> 02:54:18,490
That would be easy, we're all neighbors.

1736
02:54:20,640 --> 02:54:21,440
But what if you're wrong?

1737
02:54:22,640 --> 02:54:23,120
Thank you.

1738
02:54:33,930 --> 02:54:35,670
Joseph Klockner and Ward two.

1739
02:54:39,980 --> 02:54:43,300
I've been here for 35 years or so.

1740
02:54:44,420 --> 02:54:51,460
And I hadn't spoken to this body for many of those years until about the last two months.

1741
02:54:53,140 --> 02:54:59,920
and I think I've written a number of letters and communications to the...

1742
02:55:00,000 --> 02:55:01,180
Council and mayor.

1743
02:55:03,380 --> 02:55:29,980
And I think you know how I feel about it now. You've probably never heard of me before, except maybe Cindy. But I feel very strongly that there's so many issues about the proposal for NDC that are unresolved and of potential for negative consequences. And that just to

1744
02:55:29,980 --> 02:55:35,620
go forward because we're tired of talking about it. It's not the right path. And I think

1745
02:55:35,620 --> 02:55:43,320
that we really need to support council members' misalternative resolution. The most important

1746
02:55:43,320 --> 02:55:50,100
reason is to try to come to some kind of consensus amongst the group, the neighbors

1747
02:55:50,100 --> 02:55:56,840
and residents here. I do believe that we have a similar vision of what needs to be there.

1748
02:55:56,840 --> 02:56:03,720
It's just how to get there and if we spend a little more time, we can realize our commonality rather than our differences.

1749
02:56:04,240 --> 02:56:05,040
Thank you.

1750
02:56:12,640 --> 02:56:19,120
All right, next we have up Keith Werner, Maureen Tath Morales, you Tath Morales and Reginald Ruffin.

1751
02:56:23,360 --> 02:56:24,040
Thank you.

1752
02:56:25,900 --> 02:56:28,940
I've been a progressive activist for 50 years.

1753
02:56:29,300 --> 02:56:31,700
I'll hold up my credentials against anyone's.

1754
02:56:32,560 --> 02:56:37,940
In the county level since I've lived in the county for nearly 20, I've been a consistent voter and

1755
02:56:37,940 --> 02:56:41,540
advocate against the development industry and its dominance of our politics.

1756
02:56:42,280 --> 02:56:43,860
But I'm not against development.

1757
02:56:44,260 --> 02:56:49,340
And even though I see the flaws of capitalism, I'm not against a private entity earning

1758
02:56:49,340 --> 02:56:49,860
a profit.

1759
02:56:50,280 --> 02:56:52,300
It depends how and where.

1760
02:56:53,900 --> 02:56:59,000
Now, the history of the attempts to develop this impervious surface parking lot go back

1761
02:56:59,000 --> 02:57:00,180
30 years.

1762
02:57:01,180 --> 02:57:02,680
It failed at that time.

1763
02:57:02,920 --> 02:57:07,200
A good friend of ours was on the task force at that time because no one could reach an agreement

1764
02:57:07,200 --> 02:57:16,860
about how to move forward those who are proposing tonight to stop this process are dreaming that we

1765
02:57:16,860 --> 02:57:23,300
can all come to the table and agree those who say we could downsize the development somewhat

1766
02:57:23,300 --> 02:57:32,860
or turn it into a playground are lying to us about who's going to pay for it do we want to raise

1767
02:57:32,860 --> 02:57:36,580
This property tax is further to fund a development at this junction.

1768
02:57:37,160 --> 02:57:44,760
Or would we rather on the flip side generate revenue from this development that can go into the progressive programming that we favor in this city.

1769
02:57:45,580 --> 02:57:48,300
Now let's also address honestly the co-ops rule.

1770
02:57:49,060 --> 02:57:53,100
The co-op tried to be the developer of this project.

1771
02:57:53,520 --> 02:57:55,620
It's hard enough to run a grocery store.

1772
02:57:56,340 --> 02:57:58,540
Their proposal was rejected rightfully.

1773
02:57:58,540 --> 02:58:06,120
and since that time their posture has been to hold a gun to their own head and say one move and we shoot ourselves.

1774
02:58:06,760 --> 02:58:13,720
They have not engaged, forthrightly, fully and completely in this process.

1775
02:58:14,400 --> 02:58:23,020
Many of the opponents in this room missed the four years of open conversations in citizen input, missed them completely.

1776
02:58:23,020 --> 02:58:39,180
But the co-op has purposely whipped them into an ideological frenzy in which an engol which is stopping this searches for rationales from gentrification and harm to minorities to safety of children.

1777
02:58:39,460 --> 02:58:47,200
Frankly, this reminds me of how the Republican Party will find a rationale for a tax cut regardless of the economic conditions.

1778
02:58:47,200 --> 02:58:56,680
And frankly, those of you who are wearing resist shirts tonight, which would be appropriate in a protest against the Trump administration's policies, you offend me.

1779
02:58:56,860 --> 02:59:00,800
Because this is a two-story building on an impervious parking lot.

1780
02:59:00,980 --> 02:59:04,100
This is not a moral issue of our time, thank you.

1781
02:59:04,100 --> 02:59:05,140
I'm

1782
02:59:17,330 --> 02:59:19,310
Maureen Tafmuralis, board three.

1783
02:59:19,990 --> 02:59:22,270
Thank you again for being here to listen to our input.

1784
02:59:23,430 --> 02:59:34,390
I remain very concerned that the neighborhood development company has not complied with many of the stipulations that youth council has set forth in response to the community concerns that you have heard.

1785
02:59:35,310 --> 02:59:40,330
At last week City Council asked several questions to which I did not receive any answers.

1786
02:59:40,350 --> 02:59:42,570
I have also submitted them in writing.

1787
02:59:42,570 --> 02:59:47,330
Before you vote on whether to move forward with the current Junction Development Plan,

1788
02:59:47,630 --> 02:59:53,110
please provide a republic response to these questions, and I will repeat them here.

1789
02:59:54,690 --> 02:59:59,690
Numerance citizens have requested and good practice would require an independent evaluation.

1790
03:00:04,940 --> 03:00:08,160
Is the council going to demand compliance before voting on the plan if you haven't, why not?

1791
03:00:11,920 --> 03:00:22,660
If not, how is the council going to evaluate NDC's compliance with those county stipulations such as public space?

1792
03:00:23,440 --> 03:00:29,200
Is the council going to demand compliance before voting on the plan if you haven't, why not?

1793
03:00:29,200 --> 03:00:34,940
Will the Council hold NDC accountable for compliance with Council stipulations?

1794
03:00:35,360 --> 03:00:42,580
Once its current, not fully compliant plan has been approved, if so, how, if not, why

1795
03:00:42,580 --> 03:00:42,820
not?

1796
03:00:43,560 --> 03:00:49,800
I would ask the Council to impose substantial fines on NDC for noncompliance with Council's

1797
03:00:49,800 --> 03:00:50,260
guidelines.

1798
03:00:50,820 --> 03:00:57,300
Will the Council impose any penalties on NDC if it does not comply with Council stipulations?

1799
03:00:58,100 --> 03:01:04,940
I greatly appreciate that previously Councilmember Covar asked NDC to provide two scale drawings

1800
03:01:04,940 --> 03:01:10,340
of the proposed development, and particularly you asked for a scale drawing showing trash

1801
03:01:10,340 --> 03:01:16,240
cans, trash trucks, delivery trucks on a trip typical trash pickup day, so that the Council

1802
03:01:16,240 --> 03:01:22,200
in the public could see the impact on NDC's proposed public space across which trash

1803
03:01:22,200 --> 03:01:30,060
will have to cross. Has NDC provided these drawings to scale? If so, please provide

1804
03:01:30,060 --> 03:01:36,240
them to the public before voting on the NDC plan. If they haven't, why is the council not

1805
03:01:36,240 --> 03:01:42,260
demanded that NDC respond to the request for two scale drawings and let the public see how

1806
03:01:42,260 --> 03:01:49,180
trash delivery will be handled? And how it will affect the sidewalk-sized

1807
03:01:49,180 --> 03:01:55,740
public space. I also ask how can a mediation procedure be fair if the plan designed by one

1808
03:01:55,740 --> 03:02:02,220
party is approved before mediation is complete? NDA has shown a lack of interest in community

1809
03:02:02,220 --> 03:02:07,820
input showing up either after public comments or not at all to these meetings. They have been

1810
03:02:07,820 --> 03:02:12,380
deceptive. Their original design was smaller, included a driveway for the co-op deliveries

1811
03:02:12,380 --> 03:02:16,620
and more public space, those have disappeared with no consequences.

1812
03:02:18,020 --> 03:02:23,440
I ask again that if you said that you vote for Council members, alternative resolution.

1813
03:02:23,660 --> 03:02:26,520
And if it does not pass, please vote against the city's resolution.

1814
03:02:26,840 --> 03:02:27,180
Thank you.

1815
03:02:35,780 --> 03:02:42,280
Thank you very much, my name's Hugh Taff Morales, I'm award three residents of 22 years into co-op park of 32 years.

1816
03:02:43,900 --> 03:02:50,320
I appreciate the calls for civility from everybody here, I appreciate the time of the council.

1817
03:02:50,320 --> 03:02:55,660
of the volunteers, I hope we move forward in a respectful manner.

1818
03:02:56,180 --> 03:03:01,560
I would like the Council to second Council Member Smith's alternative resolution and vote for it.

1819
03:03:02,220 --> 03:03:11,480
From the very start, my priority in the early phases when we saw competing architects show design programs has been to facilitate the co-op remaining in business.

1820
03:03:11,840 --> 03:03:18,880
I understand that might have not been easy working with them, but moving forward without mediation be concluded, seems backwards.

1821
03:03:18,880 --> 03:03:26,900
words. The traffic plan is in complete racial equity issues are still in resolve. Please vote for Council Member Smith's alternative plan. Thank you.

1822
03:03:34,910 --> 03:03:35,770
Yes, it is.

1823
03:03:35,930 --> 03:03:36,670
Well, thank you.

1824
03:03:36,810 --> 03:03:37,210
You're welcome.

1825
03:03:37,750 --> 03:03:38,890
Hi, it's Cole Park Family.

1826
03:03:42,140 --> 03:03:49,000
Oh, boy. All right. I'm Reginald J. Ruffin, lived here for over 50 years. By the way, the gentleman that left, we got to resist teacher for him.

1827
03:03:49,020 --> 03:03:50,080
Isn't it being mad about it?

1828
03:03:54,480 --> 03:03:58,800
Hi, it's Cole more Park Family. We got family business to deal with. It's okay if we agree or disagree.

1829
03:03:58,800 --> 03:04:00,560
You know, you're not going to agree with my patients.

1830
03:04:00,560 --> 03:04:01,920
There's not over a degree of yours.

1831
03:04:01,920 --> 03:04:02,620
It doesn't matter.

1832
03:04:02,860 --> 03:04:05,520
It matters that we do it in a way that we can respect one another.

1833
03:04:05,780 --> 03:04:05,860
Okay?

1834
03:04:06,600 --> 03:04:07,100
All right.

1835
03:04:07,560 --> 03:04:09,900
Which means putting our community first.

1836
03:04:10,680 --> 03:04:11,680
That's our culture.

1837
03:04:12,420 --> 03:04:13,380
It's a simple choice.

1838
03:04:13,620 --> 03:04:15,060
Community interest before corporate interest.

1839
03:04:15,720 --> 03:04:18,040
But we seem to be a family divided by what?

1840
03:04:18,700 --> 03:04:20,240
We say, we say develop.

1841
03:04:20,640 --> 03:04:22,260
But develop in the interest of the community.

1842
03:04:22,460 --> 03:04:23,100
Not the corporation.

1843
03:04:24,380 --> 03:04:26,760
Choose councilman Smith's balanced approach.

1844
03:04:26,760 --> 03:04:29,840
It's like about, it's like an all of branch being passed out.

1845
03:04:30,200 --> 03:04:40,520
The City Council says local businesses will be helped, but the co-op is a local business that's fighting for its existence, and in this mediation now, and you're going to vote without the benefit of that mediation.

1846
03:04:41,400 --> 03:04:45,520
That voting for corporate interest, that's voting for corporate interest, not community interest.

1847
03:04:46,040 --> 03:04:56,240
In fact, the people who say about revenue coming into the city, Ward 6 is a primary example, they generate the largest business income that comes into the city.

1848
03:04:56,240 --> 03:04:59,380
but the funds are not redistributed, lead just benroom

1849
03:05:00,000 --> 03:05:29,720
New word with the lips, redistributed fairly as far as their district award is concerned. That's a prime example. Those are facts, by the way, not my opinion, this was a little facts. It's estimated that, that the far as the funds coming into the city is estimated about to be about another 20 to 30 years before any kind of significant profits are seen from this kind of project, 20 to 30 years. But even, even more importantly, we seem to have a family divided. People who can afford this change, definitely you're afford.

1850
03:05:29,720 --> 03:05:33,040
I can afford to change, but I don't want to leave my family behind.

1851
03:05:35,070 --> 03:05:40,750
As city leadership, why would you go forward with such a division between family members like we're having now?

1852
03:05:40,910 --> 03:05:42,670
We've got almost 100 years of this side.

1853
03:05:42,830 --> 03:05:46,790
We've only spent 4% of the time, or less than 4% of the time actually researching.

1854
03:05:47,970 --> 03:05:51,390
With that said, it's our culture to put the community first.

1855
03:05:51,470 --> 03:05:54,430
In fact, mayor, we were just outside selling the burn table issue together.

1856
03:05:54,870 --> 03:05:56,570
So we were able to do that and work it out.

1857
03:05:57,310 --> 03:05:59,530
It means that we can work things out as the family.

1858
03:05:59,530 --> 03:06:02,150
It means that we can do things and work them together.

1859
03:06:02,890 --> 03:06:06,890
So like the resolution says, whereas the corporate has not meant certain constraints, whereas

1860
03:06:06,890 --> 03:06:12,230
the community has not been with the, it has not been with some of the regulatory process,

1861
03:06:12,370 --> 03:06:17,310
whereas this has not been met with some of the stipulations that have been met.

1862
03:06:17,310 --> 03:06:22,810
We're saying whereas, choose Councilman Smith's alternative solution so that we can all just

1863
03:06:22,810 --> 03:06:23,870
sort of move on.

1864
03:06:23,930 --> 03:06:25,950
The delay is not going to kill anything, by the way.

1865
03:06:25,950 --> 03:06:29,410
We've delayed things before and gone forth with them in the city's history.

1866
03:06:29,910 --> 03:06:34,190
So after half a century of living here, let's just work together as a family and make it work together.

1867
03:06:34,410 --> 03:06:34,730
Thank you.

1868
03:06:41,290 --> 03:06:47,270
All right, next up, we have Aaron O'Brien, Rhonda Krants, and Carrie Kitscher, Richard.

1869
03:06:49,940 --> 03:06:50,380
Okay.

1870
03:06:52,920 --> 03:06:54,280
Then Walter Miles will be next.

1871
03:06:54,540 --> 03:06:56,200
So Aaron, Rhonda, and Walter.

1872
03:06:59,690 --> 03:07:00,150
Hi everyone.

1873
03:07:00,850 --> 03:07:02,070
My name is Aaron O'Brien.

1874
03:07:02,250 --> 03:07:03,410
I live on Ethan Allen Avenue.

1875
03:07:03,610 --> 03:07:05,050
I have a two-year-old daughter.

1876
03:07:05,830 --> 03:07:07,750
We love a few blocks away from the junction.

1877
03:07:08,750 --> 03:07:11,850
I really like the project and I do think it's good for our community.

1878
03:07:12,050 --> 03:07:12,510
It's green.

1879
03:07:12,710 --> 03:07:13,810
It's a lead certified building.

1880
03:07:13,810 --> 03:07:14,790
It preserves the forest.

1881
03:07:15,090 --> 03:07:16,390
It remediates the old dump site.

1882
03:07:17,090 --> 03:07:18,330
I think it's the right size.

1883
03:07:18,450 --> 03:07:22,030
I think two stories is reasonable and similar to the fire station.

1884
03:07:22,290 --> 03:07:23,730
It's not going to compete with a co-op.

1885
03:07:23,810 --> 03:07:25,530
It's not going to have chain stores in it.

1886
03:07:26,070 --> 03:07:28,670
The rent's comparable to other renovated spaces.

1887
03:07:29,150 --> 03:07:34,630
The tax space is going to help us fund progressive programs and the alternatives will cost us money

1888
03:07:34,630 --> 03:07:40,930
instead of make us money. Traffic is already really bad and we need to fix the intersection either way

1889
03:07:41,510 --> 03:07:45,410
and it will give me a place to walk to and see more of my neighbors.

1890
03:07:47,890 --> 03:07:53,070
So please vote yes tonight. Don't delay again and thank you for all your hard work.

1891
03:07:53,330 --> 03:07:58,280
Know that a lot of people support you who just cannot come because we don't have child care or we work

1892
03:07:58,280 --> 03:08:05,860
night shifts. We live in a very opinionated city as you may have noticed, and you can't

1893
03:08:05,860 --> 03:08:09,900
make everybody happy, but just know that the loudest voices are not necessarily the most

1894
03:08:09,900 --> 03:08:16,160
representative. In my neighbors, Corman Jeffers, George Cydell, Rachel Spector, Juan Oriana,

1895
03:08:16,420 --> 03:08:22,540
Jonathan Browning, Justin Marion, Morgan Snyder, all support this as well. And I also just wanted

1896
03:08:22,540 --> 03:08:28,100
to ask everybody to please respect your neighbors. I am not going to be booing anybody tonight.

1897
03:08:28,100 --> 03:08:35,260
you doesn't agree with me or coughing very loudly I just we all have to live together long term together so we can try and do that

1898
03:08:35,260 --> 03:08:37,160
I would appreciate it. Thank you very much.

1899
03:08:38,300 --> 03:08:38,780
So

1900
03:08:47,170 --> 03:08:55,690
I'm Rhonda Crance, Ward 3 and I moved it to Coma Park two days before I turned 40 so you can just go ahead and get how many years I did.

1901
03:08:57,430 --> 03:09:04,410
And thank you to the council and to the mayor and and thank you mayor Stewart for the blog post you sent.

1902
03:09:04,410 --> 03:09:07,250
I thought that was very informative and appreciated it.

1903
03:09:07,930 --> 03:09:17,650
I would like to urge the council members to second the Jarrett's Miss proposal.

1904
03:09:18,230 --> 03:09:25,230
And my reasoning is really one that we've heard before, there are several things that still

1905
03:09:25,230 --> 03:09:26,250
need to be dealt with.

1906
03:09:26,590 --> 03:09:29,090
There really is no plan for the traffic.

1907
03:09:29,090 --> 03:09:31,210
These are things we know that are important.

1908
03:09:32,330 --> 03:09:40,090
Again, the co-op is going in mediation and I agree that if we go ahead and accept

1909
03:09:40,090 --> 03:09:44,490
the proposal that you're basically saying what's the, you know, you're basically saying

1910
03:09:45,270 --> 03:09:46,890
there's no reason for mediation.

1911
03:09:48,090 --> 03:09:55,230
I worry with all the good intentions there are that if the proposal goes ahead, resolution

1912
03:09:55,230 --> 03:09:59,730
goes ahead right now, that it'll be very, very hard to deal with these issues.

1913
03:10:00,000 --> 03:10:26,840
I know I really believe that you have good intentions with that. It's been hard enough to deal with these issues. But once it leaves, once it goes to the county, once it goes to the other people that are going to have input, it's going to be harder. So, I think we should take the time to try to really make plans. Think ahead. Deal with those traffic issues, at least have a plan for moving forward and not just assume.

1914
03:10:27,960 --> 03:10:34,380
And I understand people just want to move it forward, but just to assume that these things are all going to be worked out.

1915
03:10:34,760 --> 03:10:39,220
Without a plan beforehand is pretty, I think is not realistic.

1916
03:10:39,600 --> 03:10:42,880
And I'm a program manager. I've been through these things myself.

1917
03:10:43,200 --> 03:10:47,720
And it, you get to a point you say we have to move forward, but it's the big picture.

1918
03:10:47,920 --> 03:10:52,580
And I've seen it not work many times. I do appreciate all the efforts.

1919
03:10:52,580 --> 03:11:03,300
and I just urge you to vote for Jarrett Smith's proposal to try to address some of these issues before we make more of it.

1920
03:11:03,620 --> 03:11:04,040
Thank you.

1921
03:11:10,110 --> 03:11:12,170
Walter Miles, Lincoln Avenue.

1922
03:11:12,490 --> 03:11:17,870
Just two things. I really think you should vote for Council Member Smith's alternate resolution.

1923
03:11:18,750 --> 03:11:21,610
And secondly, I need to take her class.

1924
03:11:30,740 --> 03:11:39,140
Sabina Weistrick-Brown. Sabina's still here? No. Okay. Andrew Strongin, did he leave?

1925
03:11:40,100 --> 03:11:48,300
Okay. Andrew left. Todd Solomon, he left. Okay. Kurt Kirscher. Okay. Thank you.

1926
03:11:50,950 --> 03:11:56,550
Good evening. I'm Kurt Kirscher. Resident almost quarter of a century. Central Avenue Ward 2.

1927
03:11:56,550 --> 03:12:05,970
First, I want to thank everybody on the council, the mayor for the time and energy and commitment, and for the public input.

1928
03:12:06,830 --> 03:12:11,970
I shop at the co-op and enjoy it, and I'm also very excited for the development.

1929
03:12:12,670 --> 03:12:18,350
I feel if you delay, we could face another long, long period of no activity.

1930
03:12:18,570 --> 03:12:22,330
We're talking about a parking lot that is environmentally not a good thing at the moment.

1931
03:12:22,330 --> 03:12:31,050
And I'm concerned about the tax implications for our property taxes if we don't go forward

1932
03:12:31,050 --> 03:12:31,590
to this.

1933
03:12:31,950 --> 03:12:37,290
Many of the same people I hear passionately opposing this development also really rail

1934
03:12:37,290 --> 03:12:39,330
against the high taxes and to come apart.

1935
03:12:39,570 --> 03:12:42,790
And the solution to that is to expand the commercial tax base.

1936
03:12:43,310 --> 03:12:44,250
And this would do that.

1937
03:12:44,770 --> 03:12:49,990
And I strongly encourage you to please go ahead and vote for it.

1938
03:12:50,050 --> 03:12:51,730
I'm concerned if it doesn't go ahead.

1939
03:12:51,730 --> 03:12:59,950
It sits a very bad precedent for future development in Tacoma Park and other developers wanting to come here and try to do business.

1940
03:13:00,210 --> 03:13:00,950
Thank you very much.

1941
03:13:06,870 --> 03:13:10,390
Amorance, Europe, and then Robin Buck, Linda Provost.

1942
03:13:18,370 --> 03:13:20,930
Hi, my name is Amorance, and I am part of Ward 1.

1943
03:13:22,330 --> 03:13:26,730
It is a sad day when we have realized our elective officials have failed us.

1944
03:13:27,210 --> 03:13:32,650
When they have failed to represent their constituents' interests and choose to listen to the voices of corporations instead.

1945
03:13:33,310 --> 03:13:37,990
Builders, architects, and site planners have all openly come out against the proposed development.

1946
03:13:38,490 --> 03:13:44,330
The development not only hurts the co-op, a prized stable of Tacoma Park, increases traffic congestion,

1947
03:13:44,510 --> 03:13:48,610
risking the safety of our children walking to school, but will also further the racial and

1948
03:13:48,610 --> 03:13:51,990
socio-economic inequality in Tacoma Park.

1949
03:13:52,430 --> 03:13:57,050
And as a community that prides itself on being an inclusive, progressive area,

1950
03:13:57,450 --> 03:14:00,290
I ask the council not to be complicit in this clear gentrification.

1951
03:14:01,010 --> 03:14:01,410
Thank you.

1952
03:14:01,410 --> 03:14:02,310
I

1953
03:14:12,360 --> 03:14:19,080
decided on the shirt because it worked better with these pants so I'm Robin Buck I live

1954
03:14:19,080 --> 03:14:29,630
in Ward 3 and in all the times when I've come to these meetings I think I've only heard

1955
03:14:29,630 --> 03:14:36,810
one person speak out saying that what he wanted was all park all the time so I think that

1956
03:14:36,810 --> 03:14:39,470
we're really in agreement in wanting something to happen there.

1957
03:14:41,510 --> 03:14:44,490
The concern that I have is that it happens responsibly.

1958
03:14:45,390 --> 03:14:52,510
And so I really want to thank Jarrett for putting forth a proposal to get some of these really

1959
03:14:52,510 --> 03:14:59,710
critical questions answered so that the project does move forward responsibly.

1960
03:15:05,200 --> 03:15:35,340
Last week I missed the council meeting. It was with my mom. She's been, she's been really quite ill in and out of the hospital. My sister and I have talked about that and about how, in a lot of ways, she's reaping the harvest of not taking care of herself in some different ways. And, you know, the high blood pressure, the problems with the kidney, the congested part failure, those weren't things that were predestined. But this, and I'm not, I'm not saying that to blame my mom.

1961
03:15:35,340 --> 03:15:36,540
I love my mom to pieces.

1962
03:15:37,060 --> 03:15:39,920
We went out there for 10 days and dropped everything

1963
03:15:39,920 --> 03:15:43,740
to just be with her and read to her and play games

1964
03:15:43,740 --> 03:15:47,100
and brought boxes and boxes of old pictures.

1965
03:15:48,640 --> 03:15:51,900
And it was great to see pictures of my mom

1966
03:15:51,900 --> 03:15:53,600
when she was young and fit.

1967
03:15:54,520 --> 03:15:55,500
I'm an eldest of five.

1968
03:15:58,420 --> 03:16:01,960
And when we don't look forward down the road

1969
03:16:01,960 --> 03:16:08,480
for how the decisions we make today will impact our health as a community.

1970
03:16:09,200 --> 03:16:15,040
There will be consequences whether we like it or not. It's like that's the way the world goes.

1971
03:16:15,920 --> 03:16:19,980
And one thing that I wanted to mention too,

1972
03:16:20,280 --> 03:16:26,700
a lovely woman from Coalition for Smarter Grouth spoke earlier this evening

1973
03:16:26,700 --> 03:16:33,500
And when I was involved with the public land use issue in DC for many years, they weighed

1974
03:16:33,500 --> 03:16:34,400
in on that too.

1975
03:16:34,580 --> 03:16:37,500
And I thought, hmm, never heard of these people before, because I was kind of new at

1976
03:16:37,500 --> 03:16:38,240
this business then.

1977
03:16:39,480 --> 03:16:42,980
And so I wanted to know also who funds them.

1978
03:16:43,600 --> 03:16:44,520
How do they survive?

1979
03:16:45,380 --> 03:16:48,580
I contacted them and they said, well, our donors don't want to be revealed.

1980
03:16:48,920 --> 03:16:50,000
I thought, well, that's interesting.

1981
03:16:50,820 --> 03:16:55,200
Well, these days, their donors, they are revealed.

1982
03:16:55,300 --> 03:16:56,080
You can look them up.

1983
03:16:56,080 --> 03:17:01,800
They're all developers. It's a developer-funded organization, so I would just really caution you.

1984
03:17:02,480 --> 03:17:08,760
In a coalition for smarter growth, it sounds great, but I just, you know,

1985
03:17:09,060 --> 03:17:13,020
follow the money makes. It's kind of a good role with them.

1986
03:17:13,520 --> 03:17:17,980
So I'm just really, really hoping everybody votes for BRJ.

1987
03:17:26,470 --> 03:17:30,470
Linda Provost? No, she's not here anymore. All right.

1988
03:17:30,470 --> 03:17:34,130
Okay, Satchel, and I can't quite make the last name.

1989
03:17:35,510 --> 03:17:36,390
No, he left, okay.

1990
03:17:38,330 --> 03:17:40,130
Janae Weeda, I don't think she left.

1991
03:17:40,390 --> 03:17:40,910
I haven't seen her.

1992
03:17:42,110 --> 03:17:44,230
All right, then we'll move on to.

1993
03:17:46,250 --> 03:17:46,930
Excuse me?

1994
03:17:51,840 --> 03:17:53,600
You're on the last sheet, Bill.

1995
03:17:55,080 --> 03:17:59,070
I have Lars Olsen next.

1996
03:17:59,370 --> 03:18:02,330
And then someone from Frederick, Maryland, I can't.

1997
03:18:02,330 --> 03:18:02,990
Is

1998
03:18:05,550 --> 03:18:09,430
she? Is that first? Okay, yeah, you're next then. Okay,

1999
03:18:12,580 --> 03:18:13,080
you're up.

2000
03:18:15,020 --> 03:18:23,960
Lars Olsen, Ward 3, Hancock Avenue. Don't let my youthful appearance fool you.

2001
03:18:24,240 --> 03:18:33,140
I'm not an import from Bethesda. I've been here almost 20 years and my wife and I have

2002
03:18:34,840 --> 03:18:43,520
We both support the resolution of developing the junction and urge the city to move quickly into implementation.

2003
03:18:44,580 --> 03:18:51,260
Thank you to the council, the developer for their past and continued patience.

2004
03:18:59,370 --> 03:19:04,410
Hi, I'm Sylvie Mortensen and I want to thank the council for listening all the voices tonight.

2005
03:19:05,610 --> 03:19:10,690
I'm a decade-long co-op shopper, which originally kind of attracted me when I lived closer

2006
03:19:10,690 --> 03:19:16,370
into Tacoma, was the co-op and a good gym and a drum circle, you find there was all

2007
03:19:16,370 --> 03:19:16,810
in Tacoma.

2008
03:19:18,750 --> 03:19:22,130
I feel like I'm going to echo a lot of voices that I've heard tonight.

2009
03:19:22,510 --> 03:19:30,170
I have sort of watched this process and been following everything with the co-op and

2010
03:19:31,370 --> 03:19:37,070
Witnessing what I don't feel like to this point has been a super collaborative process.

2011
03:19:37,550 --> 03:19:43,010
I feel like the mediation has been the most profound step towards having a collaborative process.

2012
03:19:44,810 --> 03:19:52,210
I think it's a clear signal more as an observer now with this much outpouring of citizen participation.

2013
03:19:52,810 --> 03:19:59,750
That it's a signaled at pause and think about the next step in moving more carefully.

2014
03:20:00,960 --> 03:20:30,000
I think in the haste and the legitimate reason to want to resolve one problem of this parking lot, you can also come into other problems that you didn't expect as the where I last understood it. The issues with the lay by and as to whether the trucks can make it into the co-op, those are all legitimate things that could shut the co-op down potentially over time. If the trucks decide we can't make these stops, it's just

2015
03:20:30,800 --> 03:20:35,440
It's not possible anymore, that's a concern, the traffic is a concern.

2016
03:20:37,180 --> 03:20:47,940
So I just want to echo that point that I think you have the opportunity to pause and make the best choice, you don't really have the opportunity to fix it once you've made the wrong choice.

2017
03:20:48,840 --> 03:20:54,800
And I would just urge you to vote for the alternative plan, thank you.

2018
03:20:54,800 --> 03:20:55,680
I

2019
03:21:01,690 --> 03:21:05,270
have Catherine Tunis, Linda Colca, and Alex Perkins.

2020
03:21:09,220 --> 03:21:10,840
Hi, I'm Catherine Tunis, how do you do?

2021
03:21:11,180 --> 03:21:13,320
I want to thank everybody who's worked on this.

2022
03:21:13,440 --> 03:21:16,320
I know there's been a lot of work going through all of this.

2023
03:21:16,660 --> 03:21:21,520
And I also want to say that I don't see this as co-op versus NDC or

2024
03:21:21,520 --> 03:21:25,440
development versus non-development, or remind everyone whether they know it or

2025
03:21:25,440 --> 03:21:29,760
not is that this process started when the co-op purchased the city to develop

2026
03:21:29,760 --> 03:21:32,660
the lot themselves so that they could expand onto the lot.

2027
03:21:32,660 --> 03:21:40,600
So I think that's important to keep in mind, I'm going to go through the package here pretty quickly with some comments on the background piece.

2028
03:21:41,240 --> 03:21:47,940
The question about paragraph five on income tax, they're talking about a numbers of employees.

2029
03:21:47,940 --> 03:21:54,180
I think that should be normalized into FTE because there's a lot of part time employees that work on these stores.

2030
03:21:54,180 --> 03:22:08,300
the square footage, price per square footage is a little bit, the assumptions I think are quite off because the junction is in between all town and New Hampshire Avenue and they're quoting all town rates is like $45 to $50 a square foot.

2031
03:22:08,740 --> 03:22:22,220
Well, what I was able to find on the web the other day for New Hampshire Avenue is $2.17, $2.17 per square foot for an office and $1.67 per square foot for retail.

2032
03:22:22,220 --> 03:22:28,660
I think it's speculation about whether or not our property assessments are going to continue

2033
03:22:28,660 --> 03:22:29,440
to go up or not.

2034
03:22:29,820 --> 03:22:35,360
It's in a larger economic sphere of this nation, so we can't really say that for sure.

2035
03:22:35,960 --> 03:22:39,560
One of the things that bothered me about the proposal is that it does not talk about the

2036
03:22:39,560 --> 03:22:40,140
loading dock.

2037
03:22:40,460 --> 03:22:49,200
That was a key issue for the co-op, and it was one of the reasons why I supported NDC going

2038
03:22:49,200 --> 03:22:55,140
forward in the beginning because they assured me that there was going to be a loading dock right

2039
03:22:55,140 --> 03:23:01,500
where it is now with 18 wheelers able to turn around and that's not happening and I see that

2040
03:23:01,500 --> 03:23:07,120
as a major problem. I'm going to go very quickly through my other comments here. First of all the date,

2041
03:23:07,300 --> 03:23:12,520
the date is incorrect. It should not be today. It should be at least two months today from today so

2042
03:23:12,520 --> 03:23:18,020
that we can see the results of the mediation and if any changes need to be made, I think it's really

2043
03:23:18,020 --> 03:23:23,040
inappropriate to be picking winners and losers now. You need to put that forward. We have a typo

2044
03:23:23,040 --> 03:23:23,960
on line 32.

2045
03:23:27,500 --> 03:23:34,100
I'm glad to see the lead things in there in terms of energy. So there's a lot of good

2046
03:23:34,100 --> 03:23:40,400
things in here too. The Lonnie Duck was promised. That's around line 200. The lay-by is a problem.

2047
03:23:41,780 --> 03:23:54,360
I'm speeding through here, the trash is going to be taking out over the sidewalk, not in the back of the building, not picked up in the back of the building, they're taking trash to curb side, that is going to be a big issue.

2048
03:23:55,040 --> 03:24:05,280
The tree protection plan line 361, I would like to see the city make that public so that the public, there are a few people who really know about these things and how they should be done. I'd like to comment on that.

2049
03:24:05,280 --> 03:24:11,580
But how are we going to guarantee the continuity of operations?

2050
03:24:11,960 --> 03:24:12,640
Thank you, Ms. Tunis.

2051
03:24:12,920 --> 03:24:13,280
Your time's up.

2052
03:24:13,340 --> 03:24:14,420
And I'm going to stop there.

2053
03:24:14,500 --> 03:24:16,160
But I'll send you an email if that's okay.

2054
03:24:25,290 --> 03:24:32,770
Hi, my name is Linda Kolko, resident of Tacoma Park on Sherman Avenue Ward 3 for 32 years.

2055
03:24:33,570 --> 03:24:38,670
I have written to you, this is the mayor and city council, I'm sorry, I should have started

2056
03:24:38,670 --> 03:24:39,250
off like that.

2057
03:24:39,250 --> 03:24:48,770
Anyway, I have written to you several times in spoken at city council meetings to express my support for the redevelopment of the Tacoma Park junction.

2058
03:24:49,390 --> 03:24:53,830
I truly appreciate your dedication and work on the junction redevelopment.

2059
03:24:54,090 --> 03:24:57,790
I've reviewed the information on the website and followed the debate carefully.

2060
03:24:57,790 --> 03:24:59,750
This point I'm just going to

2061
03:25:00,000 --> 03:25:29,980
Make a few more comments. I hope that, as I said, I join, I, look, I said, I've been a resident for 32 years. I joined the co-op when it moved to the junction about 20 years ago and I shop there often. Look forward to the redevelopment. I am confident that we will find a way to ensure that the co-op remains viable while allowing other small businesses to thrive in a new reconfiguration of the space. So therefore, I support the current site plan proposal and urge you to vote yes on approving the draft site plan.

2062
03:25:29,980 --> 03:25:32,340
plan, resolution, this month.

2063
03:25:32,640 --> 03:25:39,740
As several people have said tonight, we have tried for many years to turn Tacoma Junction into a viable commercial and community space.

2064
03:25:40,120 --> 03:25:46,960
Let's move forward and work with NDC on its draft site plan to redevelop and to redevelop Tacoma Junction.

2065
03:25:47,200 --> 03:25:58,100
The City of Tacoma Park cannot continue to expend any more valuable energy and resources as we need to have time to focus on many other critical issues affecting our community.

2066
03:25:58,100 --> 03:26:02,980
Thanks again for all the time and effort you have expended on the Tacoma Junction redevelopment.

2067
03:26:03,200 --> 03:26:09,280
I wish you the best and look forward to the City of Tacoma Park moving forward on the junction redevelopment.

2068
03:26:09,440 --> 03:26:13,380
We need to move forward now on making the City's junction more robust and vibrant.

2069
03:26:13,620 --> 03:26:14,020
Thank you.

2070
03:26:20,490 --> 03:26:22,290
Is Alex Perkins still here?

2071
03:26:22,690 --> 03:26:23,130
Oh, there are.

2072
03:26:23,810 --> 03:26:27,570
And then Seth Hazard has it and Stuart.

2073
03:26:28,790 --> 03:26:32,430
Hi, Alex Perkins, 311 Boyd and a co-op member.

2074
03:26:32,430 --> 03:26:39,610
I shall ever know, I'm mad, I'm angry and I'm frustrated by this country's administration

2075
03:26:39,610 --> 03:26:45,630
immigration policy, by the Trump administration's economic policy and by its foreign policy.

2076
03:26:45,990 --> 03:26:51,070
But what I'm not angry about, what I'm not mad about, what I'm not frustrated about, is

2077
03:26:51,070 --> 03:26:55,350
the process of this council, this mayor, and this city of undertaking over the past four

2078
03:26:55,350 --> 03:26:55,570
years.

2079
03:26:56,810 --> 03:27:00,690
As someone said earlier, if our government worked like this, we'd be far better off.

2080
03:27:01,490 --> 03:27:06,030
I think it's time new Ford, it's time to vote, and it's time to support the development.

2081
03:27:06,450 --> 03:27:07,070
Thank you very much.

2082
03:27:14,790 --> 03:27:19,690
Hi, Seth Hasset from Sherman Avenue, Ward 3.

2083
03:27:20,450 --> 03:27:25,970
And been a long night, I'm torn between wanting to express an opinion and

2084
03:27:25,970 --> 03:27:28,430
not wanting this to go one minute longer.

2085
03:27:29,950 --> 03:27:37,150
But to put my wife and I, we strongly support moving forward with the development.

2086
03:27:37,150 --> 03:27:42,930
we've watched this process closely and spoken at previous council meetings.

2087
03:27:44,470 --> 03:27:50,290
But I do agree with one thing I heard earlier, which was, I don't think we're paying

2088
03:27:50,290 --> 03:27:57,350
you folks enough for the hard work that you do and for the process that you've put forward.

2089
03:27:58,010 --> 03:28:06,510
I also do want to say, I mean, I hope that as we move forward, that I'm a member of the

2090
03:28:06,510 --> 03:28:14,310
shop there, we like shopping there, and I hope that we can continue to feel included and

2091
03:28:14,310 --> 03:28:19,710
welcome, and it is a community resource, and I don't think these two things are incompatible.

2092
03:28:19,990 --> 03:28:25,390
I think it's possible to move forward to have a strong and vibrant co-op that serves our community.

2093
03:28:25,930 --> 03:28:33,350
And to bring more cohesion to that area, I've been going past there for 10 plus years, and

2094
03:28:33,350 --> 03:28:37,950
And just waiting for this to move forward, I think it's best for the environment.

2095
03:28:38,190 --> 03:28:46,710
I do think it's going to help ultimately make this a more livable and vibrant community.

2096
03:28:47,070 --> 03:28:49,390
And so thank you and I hope we can move forward.

2097
03:28:54,540 --> 03:28:59,060
Stuart, yeah, and then I'm Bill Simmons, Jamie and Nuggo.

2098
03:29:01,110 --> 03:29:02,550
Sorry, I'm from this grounds.

2099
03:29:02,950 --> 03:29:03,050
Okay.

2100
03:29:03,710 --> 03:29:07,050
Everyone, thank you to the council and

2101
03:29:07,050 --> 03:29:11,930
the mayor for allowing me to speak and for everyone else to speak and taking such a long time

2102
03:29:11,930 --> 03:29:18,870
to work through this. I was, as some know, got very involved four years ago, but then

2103
03:29:18,870 --> 03:29:23,610
got busy with family and with travel overseas and wasn't able to spend as much time on it,

2104
03:29:23,850 --> 03:29:29,430
is what I would like to. So it's a personal matter to try to stay involved in these things,

2105
03:29:29,490 --> 03:29:36,110
but it's also professional. And I think we've heard a lot of the fears and the hopes,

2106
03:29:36,110 --> 03:29:47,510
the dreams, some statistics, some that seem like less than well-researched information about what may happen.

2107
03:29:48,850 --> 03:29:53,370
And so I'm not going to go back and forth on any of those, but I think I've just wanted to sort of tell a story.

2108
03:29:54,570 --> 03:29:59,970
I live in Ward 1 now. Peter and I have not agreed completely on things and we've gone back.

2109
03:30:00,000 --> 03:30:29,980
I can forth on this. And I leave previously in Ward 3, in two separate houses on Montgomery, which for the people who live in Montgomery. It's a very small one block street. And so we all know each other. And as others have said, we're all neighbors, we're a family we have to continue to be neighbors and family. In 2011, it moved here. So relatively new to Tacoma Park. I chose to work on the Obama camp.

2110
03:30:29,980 --> 03:30:53,660
I chose to then follow two DC to work in the administration, but I also chose Tacoma Park and I had one cousin who's lived in DC, this entire time that he's been here and he's my closest cousin from home and he said, dude, as he would say, you are going to live in Tacoma Park.

2111
03:30:54,740 --> 03:30:55,700
And I said, what do you mean?

2112
03:30:56,080 --> 03:30:57,400
You said you are going to live in Tacoma Park.

2113
03:30:57,620 --> 03:30:58,580
That is where you're going to live.

2114
03:30:58,760 --> 03:30:59,360
That's where you belong.

2115
03:30:59,560 --> 03:31:02,460
And so tonight I am here because I really did choose,

2116
03:31:02,780 --> 03:31:06,720
and I looked at Tacoma Park not just because he said so and predicted it,

2117
03:31:06,820 --> 03:31:10,760
but for all the reasons that so many of you brought up,

2118
03:31:11,460 --> 03:31:14,600
it's also why I believe in what the council has done.

2119
03:31:15,540 --> 03:31:20,420
I've returned to take an interest in this in the last six months

2120
03:31:20,420 --> 03:31:25,700
because I've been home more, and I believe in the process.

2121
03:31:26,940 --> 03:31:29,420
And, Pierre and I've talked a lot about that process.

2122
03:31:30,300 --> 03:31:32,040
And I also worked at HUD together.

2123
03:31:32,580 --> 03:31:35,020
And so not a lot of process there sometimes.

2124
03:31:36,120 --> 03:31:39,180
So I just want to say that I'm very much for moving forward.

2125
03:31:39,940 --> 03:31:42,080
And that we move on this and we move forward.

2126
03:31:42,500 --> 03:31:43,920
And we continue with what has happened.

2127
03:31:44,440 --> 03:31:46,000
And we continue with the process.

2128
03:31:46,560 --> 03:31:47,960
Because that's what I believe in.

2129
03:31:47,960 --> 03:31:49,700
And I want to thank everybody for all their input.

2130
03:31:50,220 --> 03:31:50,460
Thank you.

2131
03:32:00,350 --> 03:32:01,870
Sorry, you guys are here so late.

2132
03:32:02,370 --> 03:32:04,070
I was not planning on speaking tonight.

2133
03:32:04,330 --> 03:32:07,470
I hate speaking in public probably more than anything else.

2134
03:32:08,210 --> 03:32:10,510
But I've been listening to everybody talk,

2135
03:32:10,890 --> 03:32:13,090
and I first want to say I came to this really late.

2136
03:32:13,210 --> 03:32:15,310
I'm kind of ashamed at how late I came to this.

2137
03:32:16,010 --> 03:32:19,010
And when I did come to it, I think at first I thought,

2138
03:32:19,290 --> 03:32:21,810
it's just two warring factions in Tacoma Park.

2139
03:32:21,970 --> 03:32:22,850
They'll figure it out.

2140
03:32:23,010 --> 03:32:25,170
I'll live with whatever it is because it's just

2141
03:32:25,170 --> 03:32:28,110
between two progressive differences.

2142
03:32:28,450 --> 03:32:32,230
And I was really saddened and appalled when I learned what was really being proposed,

2143
03:32:32,690 --> 03:32:36,370
the lack of imagination and the complete lack of community gathering space

2144
03:32:36,370 --> 03:32:38,270
as the plans changed.

2145
03:32:39,170 --> 03:32:43,430
I was really confused as to why the council wasn't holding NDC accountable.

2146
03:32:43,870 --> 03:32:46,910
And I share a lot of concerns that people have brought it tonight

2147
03:32:46,910 --> 03:32:48,670
and I don't feel we need to go for them.

2148
03:32:48,750 --> 03:32:54,470
They've been expressed very eloquently, but I just wanted to say like when I hear people

2149
03:32:54,470 --> 03:32:59,670
people who support this, I want to ask them the question, when you think about community

2150
03:32:59,670 --> 03:33:03,970
and what it means to be community and where you want to spend your time in a community,

2151
03:33:04,730 --> 03:33:08,810
especially if you have children in what we're teaching them about community, do you want

2152
03:33:08,810 --> 03:33:15,210
them to know that community gathering spaces are centered around retail or do you want them

2153
03:33:15,210 --> 03:33:19,590
to know that there are green spaces, that there are open spaces where we can come together

2154
03:33:19,590 --> 03:33:25,470
as community, and we can exist without having to purchase something.

2155
03:33:25,710 --> 03:33:30,150
When I think of my children, when the green space in Silver Spring that somebody brought

2156
03:33:30,150 --> 03:33:36,290
up earlier, everybody was so sad when that space disappeared, and the original plans for

2157
03:33:36,290 --> 03:33:42,690
this development included space that could have become that space, again not to that degree

2158
03:33:42,690 --> 03:33:49,390
and not that size, but I just feel like we're capable of so much more, something so much better

2159
03:33:49,390 --> 03:33:53,430
than a large building that you can't be in unless you're going to buy something.

2160
03:33:54,190 --> 03:33:58,170
And I think that is Tacoma Park, I've lived here my entire life.

2161
03:33:58,890 --> 03:34:05,910
And this goes against everything that I've thought and felt Tacoma Park to stand for and

2162
03:34:05,910 --> 03:34:06,510
to represent.

2163
03:34:07,910 --> 03:34:13,210
And sorry, I really didn't have anything prepared and I'm not getting, I've lost track of where

2164
03:34:13,210 --> 03:34:13,590
I was.

2165
03:34:13,590 --> 03:34:21,810
But I just, I feel that not, I do have a lot of concerns around the Relatial Equity aspect of this.

2166
03:34:22,130 --> 03:34:27,250
And I really feel like people, one thing that people keep saying is that this is going to bring a lot of job opportunities.

2167
03:34:27,570 --> 03:34:31,850
But it's not going to bring a lot of small business opportunities to people.

2168
03:34:32,370 --> 03:34:40,510
People who come from small socioeconomic backgrounds are not going to be able to afford these rents.

2169
03:34:40,510 --> 03:34:46,670
So they can be employed, but they can't be business owners in this space, and that to me is also a huge concern.

2170
03:34:47,810 --> 03:34:54,010
Anyway, I hope that you guys support Jarrett tonight, and I hope that we can find a way to make more community and to come apart.

2171
03:35:02,740 --> 03:35:04,960
Keith Cosloff and Bruce Williams.

2172
03:35:16,570 --> 03:35:43,850
Aye, Keith Cosloff, ward three. I want to start by thanking you for all your patience with my many and continuing suggestions on this project. I really thought carefully about the resolution that was drafted by some of my neighbors and put forward by council members Smith. And in particular, I asked could a further indefinite

2173
03:35:43,850 --> 03:35:52,050
in the delay meeting the four conditions in that resolution really bring us all together.

2174
03:35:55,170 --> 03:35:59,710
Reluctantly, I concluded that the likelihood of that is low.

2175
03:36:03,080 --> 03:36:11,340
Not a perfect project and the process hasn't been perfect either, but on balance,

2176
03:36:11,860 --> 03:36:20,060
I urge the council to move forward while maintaining both strong due diligence and holding NDC

2177
03:36:20,060 --> 03:36:22,120
accountable at every step of the way.

2178
03:36:22,520 --> 03:36:23,180
Thank you.

2179
03:36:36,200 --> 03:36:37,780
Good evening members of the council.

2180
03:36:38,720 --> 03:36:39,440
My name is Bruce Williams.

2181
03:36:39,880 --> 03:36:41,040
I think I have a new board three.

2182
03:36:42,180 --> 03:36:47,200
First I want to thank all of you for all of the effort that you've put in on this process.

2183
03:36:48,220 --> 03:36:56,840
going through this current four-year process and I want to thank the staff as well,

2184
03:36:57,620 --> 03:37:02,800
the city manager, the deputy city manager, and Sarah Danes and Roz Griggs being

2185
03:37:02,800 --> 03:37:05,900
anybody else who's worked on this because I know it's taken a lot of your time

2186
03:37:05,900 --> 03:37:10,780
to do this and I know that you've put in a lot of effort to try and get this

2187
03:37:10,780 --> 03:37:18,560
right. I just want to give a perspective that I have that I think is from 30,000 feet

2188
03:37:18,560 --> 03:37:24,460
and looking at the long-term as people talk about this four-year process in my mind it's

2189
03:37:24,460 --> 03:37:35,560
a 30-year process. It started back when I first moved to the city 38 years ago and it started

2190
03:37:35,560 --> 03:37:41,500
with the co-ops original intent to try and move and move to what is now the city lot

2191
03:37:41,500 --> 03:37:48,520
before they move to what was then the Turner building. It involved a lot of processes that

2192
03:37:48,520 --> 03:37:53,560
the city worked on, that residents worked on. There were surets, people talk about you,

2193
03:37:53,720 --> 03:38:01,020
would be nice to have surets. We had surets. We had various committees. We had a what we called

2194
03:38:01,020 --> 03:38:07,640
with Tongue firmly in cheek the last to come a junction committee, obviously was not the case.

2195
03:38:08,500 --> 03:38:30,340
There have been continuing efforts through to today and this current effort, this four year effort will continue past today whatever you vote on and I urge you to move forward and vote for your resolution and not to stop this process, not to put a hold on this process, not to wait for mediation, all of these things will continue.

2196
03:38:30,340 --> 03:38:56,720
I have had a long experience with sitting where you are and knowing that whatever happens tonight, there's a whole lot more work to do, this process will continue, there's everything going forward with the county, with the developer, with the co-op, with mediation, all of these things will be dealt with, changes will happen, things will get better, and I urge you to move forward and vote yes.

2197
03:38:56,720 --> 03:38:57,280
I

2198
03:39:05,120 --> 03:39:08,080
don't have any other sign, people who signed up.

2199
03:39:08,180 --> 03:39:10,260
Is there anyone else who would like to speak this evening?

2200
03:39:11,140 --> 03:39:15,120
Okay, then get, I didn't have any other sign-up.

2201
03:39:15,260 --> 03:39:18,860
So if you haven't signed up but would like to speak, just line up at the podium and you can speak.

2202
03:39:19,280 --> 03:39:19,820
I will sign up.

2203
03:39:20,260 --> 03:39:24,280
Oh, I called you name, you must have left the room bill.

2204
03:39:24,460 --> 03:39:25,380
I did call your name before.

2205
03:39:26,040 --> 03:39:26,400
Okay, sorry.

2206
03:39:26,620 --> 03:39:27,860
I didn't hear you, but I didn't leave the room.

2207
03:39:28,160 --> 03:39:33,900
All right, well, hello Mayor, Council, City of Authorities.

2208
03:39:33,900 --> 03:39:34,460
once again.

2209
03:39:36,960 --> 03:39:39,520
As you probably remember for last week, I am

2210
03:39:39,520 --> 03:39:46,420
strongly against this project in its current form. And I do kind of feel like I can understand

2211
03:39:46,420 --> 03:39:55,000
the feelings and even the arguments or thinking of both sides. And what I'm about to say, I don't

2212
03:39:55,000 --> 03:39:59,920
what seemed to come across as a personal attack to any.

2213
03:40:00,000 --> 03:40:10,860
I was astounded earlier to hear CVS and vote as an example of why we should not be concerned about this project.

2214
03:40:14,380 --> 03:40:27,660
People may occasionally go to CVS and maybe there are some amongst us who really like CVS. I'm not one of them. I've gone to Ryzoom many, many more times than I've gone to that CVS down there.

2215
03:40:27,660 --> 03:40:35,600
And I think it does matter what we put in this space, and I think it does matter if the

2216
03:40:35,600 --> 03:40:40,140
developer causes shots or whether the city causes shots.

2217
03:40:47,010 --> 03:40:51,540
To those who decry further delay or

2218
03:40:53,720 --> 03:40:57,460
against that, I would like to remind people that there

2219
03:40:57,460 --> 03:41:13,080
It was a smaller development approved a year and a half ago that people had bought in on and had started meeting with the developers representatives to go over refining the plans.

2220
03:41:13,740 --> 03:41:20,580
I don't know somehow that got delayed so that we haven't even bigger project of less clear nature.

2221
03:41:20,580 --> 03:41:28,360
And with much more threatening to the traffic and everything else.

2222
03:41:29,380 --> 03:41:40,040
So I urge you to go forward with Jared Smith's alternative proposal and build on the project from there.

2223
03:41:40,500 --> 03:41:41,020
Thank you.

2224
03:41:50,470 --> 03:41:56,830
I just want to thank all the council members for all your amazing support and work that you do.

2225
03:41:58,090 --> 03:42:06,490
I'm from more to, as I said, and I think what we need most at the junction is parking.

2226
03:42:07,870 --> 03:42:13,250
And I feel like we already have parking, but obviously, you know, we have to do something there.

2227
03:42:13,250 --> 03:42:21,050
And so I think that the office plan, I don't think it'll really work for

2228
03:42:21,050 --> 03:42:27,370
our kind of to come apart because that doesn't really fit with our values of

2229
03:42:28,530 --> 03:42:34,270
preserving of what we need for to come apart, which is small businesses and

2230
03:42:34,270 --> 03:42:41,330
collaboration with people all over the city to come up with different alternatives like

2231
03:42:41,330 --> 03:42:57,090
like the green carpet or something like that, and I just think that it's really important that we try to bring a coalition delay, delay, and I hope you, if you don't delay, I hope you at least vote for Garrett's idea.

2232
03:42:57,810 --> 03:42:58,590
Thank you very much.

2233
03:42:58,590 --> 03:42:59,350
Well,

2234
03:43:07,180 --> 03:43:07,560
good evening.

2235
03:43:09,040 --> 03:43:21,080
I'm Catherine Desmond again from 238 Park Avenue in Ward 1, and I'm just going to read a little bit from a letter that I wrote earlier this morning to Mr. Siemens, and I sent a copy to my councilman on Ward 1.

2236
03:43:21,420 --> 03:43:22,720
I just want to share some of that.

2237
03:43:23,360 --> 03:43:28,900
The hour grows late, actually this wasn't in the letter. The hour grows late, so many words, and will mine make a difference?

2238
03:43:28,900 --> 03:43:32,800
and so I'm going to add 77 more words to my statement,

2239
03:43:32,980 --> 03:43:33,840
just to be sure.

2240
03:43:34,720 --> 03:43:35,880
So three parting thoughts.

2241
03:43:36,620 --> 03:43:38,720
The junction is first of all just that.

2242
03:43:39,020 --> 03:43:42,940
It's two roads that cross and carry people on their way

2243
03:43:43,560 --> 03:43:44,960
to the next part of their journey.

2244
03:43:45,320 --> 03:43:47,400
It holds the relics of three gas stations

2245
03:43:47,400 --> 03:43:50,780
and three auto shops, testament to the great Golden Age

2246
03:43:50,780 --> 03:43:53,360
of the Automobile, and no matter what happens

2247
03:43:53,360 --> 03:43:56,440
on the parking lot, the junction will forever be

2248
03:43:56,440 --> 03:44:02,520
a way east or west, north or south, for people who need to go somewhere else.

2249
03:44:03,420 --> 03:44:07,900
Second, the junction is the village of a residential neighborhood, okay?

2250
03:44:08,080 --> 03:44:13,500
Substance character of the area, even as much of the traffic on the streets is simply passing through.

2251
03:44:14,080 --> 03:44:19,460
But the most important thing to me, I'm sorry, I should say there's so many important things and

2252
03:44:19,460 --> 03:44:25,560
maybe this isn't the most important thing to me, but it's very important the junction is a protected historic district.

2253
03:44:25,560 --> 03:44:31,720
A designation that is not intended just to protect bricks and mortar of yesterday, no

2254
03:44:31,720 --> 03:44:37,120
matter how charming they are, but to give value and meaning to our lives today and going

2255
03:44:37,120 --> 03:44:37,740
forward.

2256
03:44:38,380 --> 03:44:40,960
And it's a value that's easy to overlook.

2257
03:44:41,620 --> 03:44:47,680
It's there to give those who walk on its sidewalks and frequent its buildings a space to capture

2258
03:44:47,680 --> 03:44:52,580
time, the most valuable commodity that we as humans have.

2259
03:44:52,580 --> 03:44:57,980
The historic district is a bridge between past and present and a buffer zone

2260
03:44:57,980 --> 03:44:59,800
between the present and the future.

2261
03:45:00,000 --> 03:45:29,160
Whatever that brings. Now, everything, unfortunately, grows old, including people. We become historic at some point. And a shopping center, or an office building put up in 2019, will bear the characteristic look of its era, and in some point in the future will be the harvest gold refrigerator amidst whatever follows it. So how do we reconcile these concerns? Well, I'm going to quote James Joyce. And if you want the full quote, I'll be in the back.

2262
03:45:29,840 --> 03:45:35,040
whatever is added to it, and this part is not the quote, whatever is added to an existing

2263
03:45:35,040 --> 03:45:43,020
historic district should be very, very respectful of the Sintillant, Circumambient, Cecil

2264
03:45:43,020 --> 03:45:45,740
Air into which it intrudes.

2265
03:45:48,220 --> 03:45:51,620
All right, NDCs converted a lot, including a historic building

2266
03:45:51,620 --> 03:46:00,360
in Tacoma Park, but the proposal they brought you is jarringly disruptive. So please ask yourself

2267
03:46:00,360 --> 03:46:02,340
Is this simply urban infill?

2268
03:46:02,640 --> 03:46:09,660
Or is it part of the whole cloth of the junction neighborhood that has meaning and value that will stand the test of time?

2269
03:46:09,920 --> 03:46:10,360
Thank you.

2270
03:46:10,680 --> 03:46:11,200
Thank you.

2271
03:46:17,750 --> 03:46:25,110
Central corn fell ward five, flower avenue, flower house, 12, 13.

2272
03:46:25,590 --> 03:46:28,150
It's arguably 17, 18, F four.

2273
03:46:28,330 --> 03:46:35,130
These are all bus lines that travel through to come a junction that provide accessible needs, both to the elderly, people who are ADA compliant.

2274
03:46:35,130 --> 03:46:40,490
using modern 21st century technology, these buses are even lower for the elderly, and thus,

2275
03:46:40,650 --> 03:46:45,390
people who are arguing for cars need for parking and to come a junction, I'm finding their

2276
03:46:45,390 --> 03:46:50,710
argument to be rather hollow. Additionally, we're looking at public space, the gazebo,

2277
03:46:50,770 --> 03:46:56,370
cross-away that seems underutilized in the city 99% of the time. I would urge the council to reject

2278
03:46:56,370 --> 03:47:01,650
councilmember Smith's motion and go forward as voting on moving forward on the junction now. Thank you.

2279
03:47:01,650 --> 03:47:02,650
Hello,

2280
03:47:08,800 --> 03:47:17,480
I'm Dan Walker from I live on Sherman Avenue Ward 3 and definitely appreciate everyone's time and patience here and giving me the chance to speak.

2281
03:47:18,280 --> 03:47:25,360
I have three young kids who I intend to raise here. We love Tacoma Park, we love walking around.

2282
03:47:26,160 --> 03:47:32,620
There is a lot of green space, a lot of community space if you've got three young kids and you don't drive very much.

2283
03:47:32,620 --> 03:47:38,440
much, you get to understand there are quite a few parks and places to meet and play and get

2284
03:47:38,440 --> 03:47:39,400
together with your neighbors.

2285
03:47:40,000 --> 03:47:43,280
We are looking forward, though, to this junction development.

2286
03:47:43,640 --> 03:47:51,880
I think the choice now is going forward with what we have or nothing, and I don't support

2287
03:47:51,880 --> 03:47:53,060
keeping a parking lot there.

2288
03:47:53,140 --> 03:47:58,440
I think it would be great to have some new development in the area, and I think the plan,

2289
03:47:58,440 --> 03:48:01,880
as it is, looks like there's a lot of good possibilities.

2290
03:48:01,880 --> 03:48:02,740
So, thank you.

2291
03:48:08,470 --> 03:48:12,590
Hi, I'm Gina Gaspon, 40-year resident of Ward 3.

2292
03:48:13,070 --> 03:48:15,410
I was certainly not planning to speak tonight.

2293
03:48:15,890 --> 03:48:17,390
I will make it very brief.

2294
03:48:17,530 --> 03:48:24,090
I've spoken to many of the council members and made my feelings and my thoughts known.

2295
03:48:25,830 --> 03:48:31,610
I just, I want to say thank you, everyone, for the process, which I heartily appreciate.

2296
03:48:34,270 --> 03:48:53,590
I happen to be a supporter of Council Member Smith's proposal, and I would just like to say I hope that at least one of you has the courage to second the proposal so that it can be talked about and voted on. Thank you.

2297
03:49:01,010 --> 03:49:06,190
Hi, I'm Sora. I live on Manor Circle, just moved there two months ago, so I have an excuse

2298
03:49:06,190 --> 03:49:12,290
for not getting involved earlier. I also can't say I've been here for 20 years. I'd like

2299
03:49:12,290 --> 03:49:16,750
to say that someday as a disabled person who can't work full time, that's really going

2300
03:49:16,750 --> 03:49:23,390
to be dependent on affordable housing and access to that. So that's really important to me.

2301
03:49:24,230 --> 03:49:29,450
I do have a job right now, I work as a tutor, and one thing I'm always thinking about as

2302
03:49:29,450 --> 03:49:32,390
a tutor is, where can I take the kids I work with?

2303
03:49:33,270 --> 03:49:35,010
So I rely on CVS sometimes.

2304
03:49:35,250 --> 03:49:36,710
I had to go there like two weeks ago

2305
03:49:36,710 --> 03:49:38,670
to get some food coloring for a project.

2306
03:49:39,590 --> 03:49:41,990
Sometimes we have to hang out in the Duncan Donuts

2307
03:49:41,990 --> 03:49:45,650
or the Starbucks if their parents are late picking them up

2308
03:49:45,650 --> 03:49:48,450
and I need somewhere where I know it's safe

2309
03:49:48,450 --> 03:49:50,770
and I know what to expect where we can just relax.

2310
03:49:51,970 --> 03:49:55,350
But the places I've had the most fun going with them this summer

2311
03:49:55,350 --> 03:49:58,330
and the places I think they've gotten the most out of

2312
03:49:58,330 --> 03:49:59,930
Our art spaces are

2313
03:50:00,000 --> 03:50:29,500
Community spaces where they have a chance to really interact with other adults and see, okay, what do I want to be when I grow up? In ways that are not, okay, this person is selling something to me. So, even as I think a lot about, like things like property taxes, I do think it's important to invest in those non-retail options for me as a tutor, for parents, for kids to grow up imagining what are they going to be.

2314
03:50:52,610 --> 03:50:58,450
I think we will take a break until 11.30 and then we'll come back and finish up our agenda. Thank you.

2315
04:03:18,610 --> 04:03:27,850
voting session. The first item is the alternative resolution regarding the Tacoma Junction Site Plan. I'll first turn it over to Council Member Smith.

2316
04:03:30,690 --> 04:03:49,350
First before I make a motion to bring this to the floor for my colleagues to consider. I wanted to thank all the residents that worked on this resolution. I think it is really important and it speaks to the sentiment that is in our community.

2317
04:03:49,350 --> 04:03:55,390
Okay, I am not hopeful that this resolution will be considered by my colleagues.

2318
04:03:55,390 --> 04:04:19,170
There's been little to no feedback given whether it's the amendment that was offered by a resident or even considering reworking some of the whereas clauses or some of the resolve clauses.

2319
04:04:19,170 --> 04:04:40,290
So I hope my colleagues will take a few minutes and maybe speak to the resolution even if they aren't going to vote for it, but I think it is really important that our community is heard and this is an opportunity for that to happen.

2320
04:04:40,790 --> 04:04:47,530
So I would like to make a motion for the alternative resolution to be heard by the body.

2321
04:04:49,170 --> 04:04:49,610
All right, thank you.

2322
04:04:49,670 --> 04:04:50,370
We'd like to second.

2323
04:04:51,130 --> 04:04:52,590
Council member Kovar second.

2324
04:05:01,200 --> 04:05:30,860
So I seconded that because I think it's important to have these discussions. I just want to be cleared everybody that I'm not voting in favor, and I'm voting against it, and I'll talk about that why when we get there. Well, there are four conditions or criteria in the resolution. I think everybody heard about that quite a bit this evening. And in thinking about it and looking at over,

2325
04:05:30,860 --> 04:05:44,180
Or it just struck me that most of those would really create a situation in which we'd have a very lengthy delay and not just a delay per se as bad but an open ended delay.

2326
04:05:44,460 --> 04:05:55,880
And I also think that on several of them, it isn't the right time to necessarily have all the things that are being asked for fully realized.

2327
04:05:55,880 --> 04:06:25,860
And what I mean by that is, with respect to the traffic during, you know, in previous jobs, I had involvement of various kinds, legislatively and politically, on a number of traffic and transportation projects of one kind or another, and even in our own case here with the flower avenue, green, green street, the financing and a lot of the other aspects of that come together over a period.

2328
04:06:25,860 --> 04:06:35,320
period of time and I don't think personally that it works to say we have to have every single one of those things figured out before we go forward.

2329
04:06:35,840 --> 04:06:39,840
And I think that the design alone can take over a year.

2330
04:06:40,440 --> 04:06:50,380
And I think with respect to racial equity, we're working on a number of items here in the city and

2331
04:06:50,380 --> 04:06:55,160
And those who had a chance to read the statement I sent around, I listed a number of them.

2332
04:06:55,320 --> 04:07:04,300
I think when we approved that policy last year, we knew that it was something that we were going to have to spend a lot of time working on.

2333
04:07:04,500 --> 04:07:13,220
And I agree that the initial listing in the materials wasn't where it should have been.

2334
04:07:13,280 --> 04:07:16,060
But I think we've rededicated ourselves to that.

2335
04:07:16,060 --> 04:07:19,300
And I think it's going to be an ongoing iterative kind of process.

2336
04:07:19,640 --> 04:07:23,260
I hope in the fall we're going to be, there's been some discussion of it.

2337
04:07:23,420 --> 04:07:24,040
I have supported it.

2338
04:07:24,080 --> 04:07:24,660
I hope we can get there.

2339
04:07:24,700 --> 04:07:29,760
They were going to be having a committee or residence appointed to help us really work

2340
04:07:29,760 --> 04:07:37,220
on those set of issues around racial equity and actually move from it being something

2341
04:07:37,220 --> 04:07:40,820
that we want to work on to really be a useful tool for us to be able to do it.

2342
04:07:40,820 --> 04:07:49,400
But I don't think that the way that language is structured in the current version of the resolution

2343
04:07:49,400 --> 04:07:56,460
that Jarrah put forward is something that can be just done in a specified amount of time.

2344
04:07:56,520 --> 04:07:58,240
That's going to be something we're working on all the time.

2345
04:07:58,640 --> 04:08:04,660
And I do think, you know, we're working on, we're expanding the library.

2346
04:08:04,900 --> 04:08:07,780
We're getting more translations going on.

2347
04:08:07,780 --> 04:08:15,640
We have increased the extent to which our grant program is targeted to residents of color and lower income people.

2348
04:08:15,800 --> 04:08:19,840
We're working on a stronger community policing process.

2349
04:08:20,040 --> 04:08:24,920
And if you want to look in my blog, there's a lot more references of that type.

2350
04:08:25,260 --> 04:08:30,180
And I think on the third point, which is having a series of town halls and so on,

2351
04:08:30,480 --> 04:08:35,240
I just don't see that as being transformative to what we're doing here.

2352
04:08:35,240 --> 04:08:39,460
I think from my view, it'll be better to vote on what we have now.

2353
04:08:39,560 --> 04:08:43,500
I'm planning to offer when we get to that, another amendment on public space.

2354
04:08:43,620 --> 04:08:49,660
And I understand it may lose and almost likely end up voting against the resolution as a result.

2355
04:08:50,220 --> 04:08:55,140
But I just don't think that the town hall process outlined it would work.

2356
04:08:55,260 --> 04:09:01,080
And then in terms of the co-op and the mediation with NDC, we do have language in the resolution,

2357
04:09:01,080 --> 04:09:02,400
which I think has been strengthened.

2358
04:09:02,400 --> 04:09:09,300
I know the call of at least commented on that through their lawyers, and I think that language is structured so

2359
04:09:09,300 --> 04:09:17,040
as to, regardless of how the mediation goes forward, what happens with it, it could fail, it could succeed.

2360
04:09:17,400 --> 04:09:22,640
We have the ability in that, through that language, to ensure that any necessary changes are passed

2361
04:09:22,640 --> 04:09:27,360
along to the county in that process.

2362
04:09:27,360 --> 04:09:32,940
I don't think we'll have been too far along, then for that to not be able to be to function.

2363
04:09:33,160 --> 04:09:40,460
And so I know it took a long time running through each of those, but to me, I just don't think that at this point,

2364
04:09:40,900 --> 04:09:43,260
the resolution is the way for us to go.

2365
04:09:43,600 --> 04:09:43,700
Thanks.

2366
04:09:46,280 --> 04:09:47,280
Council Member Smith, you're welcome.

2367
04:09:47,360 --> 04:09:55,820
And let me just touch on a couple of the resolve clauses that are, I think, really important.

2368
04:09:55,820 --> 04:09:59,120
I think the mediation, that's number one.

2369
04:10:00,000 --> 04:10:28,740
We're not asking for a long period of time. We're looking at September for this, for the mediation between the co-op and NDC to be concluded. I think that's a reasonable request, and I think that would be helpful during the co-ops negotiations with NDC. And I will offer that as an amendment when, you know, if these alternative resolution,

2370
04:10:29,440 --> 04:10:34,120
fails, and I'll see if what my colleagues say about it that.

2371
04:10:35,440 --> 04:10:43,460
One thing that I think is extremely important is the racial equity, you know.

2372
04:10:44,060 --> 04:10:53,520
When this policy was initially thought about a year ago and it eventually passed, I always

2373
04:10:53,520 --> 04:11:00,460
We thought that we would iterate, that it would get stronger, that it would be more robust, right?

2374
04:11:01,260 --> 04:11:06,340
And this issue, the junction development, was the catalyst.

2375
04:11:07,200 --> 04:11:09,380
I mean, it could have been another project in the city.

2376
04:11:10,080 --> 04:11:15,600
But I do not think that we should wait on this.

2377
04:11:15,840 --> 04:11:20,700
There should be an urgency of now regarding racial equity.

2378
04:11:20,700 --> 04:11:26,260
It is the biggest issue for our country.

2379
04:11:27,020 --> 04:11:34,600
And if we do not lead on this, like we lead on the environment, and many other issues

2380
04:11:35,340 --> 04:11:41,840
that rise to a national level, 16 year old voting, something I supported when that came

2381
04:11:41,840 --> 04:11:43,800
forward by my colleague Tim Mail.

2382
04:11:44,440 --> 04:11:49,420
If we do not lead on this, there will be repercussions.

2383
04:11:49,420 --> 04:11:59,100
We call ourselves a progressive city, this is an opportunity to show how progressive we truly are.

2384
04:12:07,940 --> 04:12:14,900
And then finally on the town halls, when WPFW hosted a town hall last week,

2385
04:12:15,520 --> 04:12:21,560
I thought it was an excellent opportunity to talk about some of these issues about this project.

2386
04:12:21,560 --> 04:12:27,580
But I learned some stuff from some very, very smart people that do this every day.

2387
04:12:28,320 --> 04:12:36,280
So I think that incorporating that into this process would be the right way to go.

2388
04:12:36,740 --> 04:12:37,160
Thank you.

2389
04:12:40,220 --> 04:12:43,860
Thank you, Mayor.

2390
04:12:45,100 --> 04:12:47,640
First of all, I'd like to just start out.

2391
04:12:47,720 --> 04:12:52,080
A lot of people were here tonight, I heard a number of them strutting their stuff about how long they've been here.

2392
04:12:52,080 --> 04:13:00,620
I've been in the city for 35 years and lived with my wife who won't let me tell you how long she's been here because she was born here.

2393
04:13:01,900 --> 04:13:08,600
I'm just going to say that black and white TVs were not common in the household when she was born, I'm just saying.

2394
04:13:08,600 --> 04:13:19,420
And anyways, I've been concerned that so many people through this whole process have talked

2395
04:13:19,420 --> 04:13:26,640
about, you know, we're not hearing them, but it seems so confusing to me because as I

2396
04:13:26,640 --> 04:13:34,740
think most people could see and as this project has progressed, a lot of issues have been brought

2397
04:13:34,740 --> 04:13:46,860
up and a lot of those issues have been addressed. And there's decisions have been made that some

2398
04:13:46,860 --> 04:13:53,080
of us didn't agree with, but there are decisions that got made along the way in response quite

2399
04:13:53,080 --> 04:13:55,440
often in response to community feedback.

2400
04:13:57,620 --> 04:14:03,000
And the, you know, the comments about the fire

2401
04:14:03,000 --> 04:14:09,540
chief I think is one example that that you know we did check into those concerns and we

2402
04:14:09,540 --> 04:14:17,980
talked with the county fire department too and found that they did not have the concerns

2403
04:14:17,980 --> 04:14:25,660
they are responsible for the fire station that the volunteer chief had an opinion that varied

2404
04:14:25,660 --> 04:14:28,200
from what the county was telling us.

2405
04:14:30,420 --> 04:14:36,300
Anyways, I think the biggest thing I've heard from people is

2406
04:14:36,300 --> 04:14:39,940
the real gut concern here is the co-op.

2407
04:14:41,680 --> 04:14:49,840
So many people are worried that the co-op cannot survive this

2408
04:14:49,840 --> 04:14:57,200
development. And yet, you know, this council has repeatedly said how important it is for

2409
04:14:57,200 --> 04:14:59,980
the co-op and we have tried to...

2410
04:15:00,000 --> 04:15:29,660
To work with the co-op and as all along the way to make sure that the co-op does integrate into this plan in a successful way. There are things that have changed in the plan. And I'm glad that we're still working on mediation through mediation to try to find and overcome the other issues that the co-op have.

2411
04:15:29,660 --> 04:15:33,220
and as you know, that's mostly with the deliveries.

2412
04:15:37,500 --> 04:15:43,840
Anyways, I did want to just say that I am not

2413
04:15:43,840 --> 04:15:51,840
supportive of the resolution put in front of us by Councilmember Smith, but I certainly

2414
04:15:51,840 --> 04:15:58,080
appreciate his bringing that forward and I know that the community worked on that resolution

2415
04:15:58,080 --> 04:16:01,120
and I appreciate you putting that forward.

2416
04:16:01,300 --> 04:16:09,640
And also Council Member Cobra, I thank you for seconding it so that the Council does

2417
04:16:09,640 --> 04:16:11,340
get the chance to talk about it.

2418
04:16:16,940 --> 04:16:18,400
I guess that's all.

2419
04:16:18,800 --> 04:16:24,180
You know, we talk a little bit about the other resolution and amended if this one does

2420
04:16:24,180 --> 04:16:31,440
not pass, but I guess it's no sense to talk about that now if case this does pass.

2421
04:16:31,440 --> 04:16:32,920
All right.

2422
04:16:33,320 --> 04:16:33,920
Councilwoman Debala?

2423
04:16:34,540 --> 04:16:34,680
Yeah.

2424
04:16:35,440 --> 04:16:35,800
Thanks.

2425
04:16:40,340 --> 04:16:46,000
So I also appreciate your bringing that up on behalf of people.

2426
04:16:46,160 --> 04:16:53,060
And I understand that there's a lot of you out there that have got some pretty deep set and valid concerns.

2427
04:16:54,840 --> 04:16:56,860
I've been talking to a lot of you.

2428
04:16:56,980 --> 04:17:02,100
I've been reading the emails, listening to the comments, going to the meetings.

2429
04:17:03,740 --> 04:17:13,260
I'm not convinced that delaying, I'm not convinced that taking a pause is going to be the best way to address these issues.

2430
04:17:13,560 --> 04:17:24,140
I agree there are serious issues, starting with perhaps the most compelling mediation with the co-op.

2431
04:17:24,140 --> 04:17:33,260
I am thrilled that it's rolling and progressing however slowly in that both all parties are committed

2432
04:17:33,260 --> 04:17:33,760
to it.

2433
04:17:34,140 --> 04:17:39,640
And I hope to now that I'm back to be one of the council members joining in.

2434
04:17:42,350 --> 04:17:49,470
I had to talk with one of the board members last night about the reasons why the co-op board

2435
04:17:49,470 --> 04:18:03,030
field, it would be in their interest to have to not have a vote on the resolution to

2436
04:18:03,030 --> 04:18:03,750
have a pause.

2437
04:18:04,370 --> 04:18:11,630
And it was as if there were mirror images, it was precisely in order to get both parties

2438
04:18:12,170 --> 04:18:13,010
to focus.

2439
04:18:13,450 --> 04:18:18,450
That would be the reason that I would want to move forward with a resolution and not take

2440
04:18:18,450 --> 04:18:18,830
a pause.

2441
04:18:20,230 --> 04:18:25,550
I will try it again, thank you for the feedback.

2442
04:18:29,950 --> 04:18:46,210
I care very deeply about the co-op, 30-year member, three-digit number, frequent shopper, lover of chocolate omens, but seriously it's very important to be as well as it is to allow you in the room, but I don't see that a delay

2443
04:18:46,210 --> 04:18:56,930
a pause in the process will help the co-op to get a better deal if you will.

2444
04:18:57,590 --> 04:19:05,470
I feel that a lot of the answers that we're looking for, some of the questions that we have are better served.

2445
04:19:05,770 --> 04:19:15,830
If we move this proposal forward to the county level and start having those more specific discussions with the county.

2446
04:19:15,830 --> 04:19:18,150
and the state agencies.

2447
04:19:18,630 --> 04:19:20,210
So if you're still looking a little puzzled,

2448
04:19:20,690 --> 04:19:23,030
I can talk with you about it again tomorrow.

2449
04:19:23,630 --> 04:19:26,110
But I have given this a great deal of thought,

2450
04:19:26,210 --> 04:19:28,150
and I have talked extensively with people,

2451
04:19:28,230 --> 04:19:30,570
and that is where I'm coming out on that.

2452
04:19:30,970 --> 04:19:35,250
On the other issues, again, I think that moving forward

2453
04:19:35,810 --> 04:19:40,870
is, and not taking a pause, is the way to get the answers

2454
04:19:41,330 --> 04:19:43,890
and to address the issues on traffic.

2455
04:19:44,510 --> 04:19:46,490
We all have a lot of questions about traffic.

2456
04:19:46,790 --> 04:19:49,310
If we don't go up before SHA, we're never going to get the answers.

2457
04:19:50,210 --> 04:19:55,990
If we want to move forward on equity, let's start talking about who's going to be tenants

2458
04:19:55,990 --> 04:19:59,970
and whether we can have a clause on formula businesses or a-

2459
04:20:00,000 --> 04:20:29,380
We have a lot of laws on favoring minority businesses. Let's start talking about who's going to rent and what kind of tenants we want to see there. There's nothing to prohibit some of the creative ideas that have been put forth. This is a site plan for a structure, in my view. And what we fill it with is the community piece that we need to work on together. I don't think we need a pause to do that. And I, in fact, I think a pause will just drag out the device of this.

2460
04:20:33,760 --> 04:20:34,280
So,

2461
04:20:37,930 --> 04:20:42,870
as much as I believe these are issues that need to be worked on, I don't think this

2462
04:20:42,870 --> 04:20:45,350
is the way to work on it in summary.

2463
04:20:46,030 --> 04:20:46,290
Thank you.

2464
04:20:47,250 --> 04:20:48,170
Councilmember Cearsney?

2465
04:20:49,010 --> 04:20:51,190
Thank you, Mayor.

2466
04:20:52,470 --> 04:20:59,790
So I want to thank Councilmember Smith, but more so, I want to thank the residents that

2467
04:20:59,790 --> 04:21:13,270
I just pinned to paper on this Councilmember Smith has made it clear that it was not necessarily his resolution but those of some of the residents that have expressed concerns.

2468
04:21:15,030 --> 04:21:25,850
So part of my concern with some of the elements that are here are that they are stating, we're stating the problems, we're stating waiting for

2469
04:21:25,850 --> 04:21:31,530
We're not necessarily focused on the potential solution or offering solutions.

2470
04:21:32,230 --> 04:21:38,610
So to kind of pick up where Councilmember DiBolo left off, some of the answers that we're seeking,

2471
04:21:38,950 --> 04:21:43,850
we could try to analyze as much data as we want on traffic.

2472
04:21:44,230 --> 04:21:47,270
We could come up with as many assumptions as we want.

2473
04:21:47,610 --> 04:21:53,670
At the end of the day, state highway administration has the final say on what that configuration will look like.

2474
04:21:54,290 --> 04:22:01,570
And so we've had two separate traffic studies that have been done to kind of provide that

2475
04:22:01,570 --> 04:22:07,250
foundation for external review or for the county developmental review.

2476
04:22:07,710 --> 04:22:12,090
And I think now it's time to kind of say, hey if we really want this intersection fixed,

2477
04:22:12,490 --> 04:22:18,010
we have our own traffic study, we have NDC's traffic study, we have a lot of traffic studies,

2478
04:22:18,010 --> 04:22:24,270
We have a previous SHH study, we can put all of that stuff forward to say, hey, now is

2479
04:22:24,270 --> 04:22:29,030
the time for us to really take a constructive path forward with addressing the problems

2480
04:22:29,030 --> 04:22:31,510
that we know exist in that intersection right today.

2481
04:22:32,730 --> 04:22:40,150
In terms of mediation, I think the purpose of what we're talking through today is kind

2482
04:22:40,150 --> 04:22:45,930
of setting some of the base for the reasonableness of some of the accommodations.

2483
04:22:45,930 --> 04:22:51,590
There are things that are clearly already included in the resolution discussions that have

2484
04:22:51,590 --> 04:22:57,030
been made, including the second elevator to better accommodate the patrons of the co-op

2485
04:22:57,030 --> 04:23:01,790
and providing access to the underground parking underneath, increasing the number of parking

2486
04:23:01,790 --> 04:23:04,890
spaces that will be made available in the underground parking lot.

2487
04:23:05,650 --> 04:23:11,730
The lay-by, love it or hate it, it was devised for the purpose of trying to meet the needs

2488
04:23:11,730 --> 04:23:16,110
of the 18 wheelers, which typically would be problematic to move on and off-site any

2489
04:23:16,110 --> 04:23:16,610
other way.

2490
04:23:16,910 --> 04:23:21,970
Again, in the goal of meeting some of the needs of the co-op, I think what's going to

2491
04:23:21,970 --> 04:23:29,770
be really helpful in not pausing until mediation is over, but to actually vote now means that

2492
04:23:29,770 --> 04:23:31,010
we kind of set that foundation.

2493
04:23:31,010 --> 04:23:34,130
We're saying, look, we know that we want that second elevator.

2494
04:23:34,430 --> 04:23:38,010
We know that we want you to make sure that parking is included.

2495
04:23:38,010 --> 04:23:44,070
We know we want, at a minimum, that lay by, maybe something better, but we want that.

2496
04:23:44,290 --> 04:23:50,510
We know we want a design that makes the current loading dock accessible, which it does.

2497
04:23:50,930 --> 04:23:53,710
It may not be accessible for an 18-wheeler, but it is accessible.

2498
04:23:54,830 --> 04:24:01,210
So it kind of sets that foundation, which I think will actually help structure more constructive

2499
04:24:01,210 --> 04:24:05,650
discussions on both sides in the remaining time that we have with mitigation.

2500
04:24:05,650 --> 04:24:07,450
Again, it sets the foundation.

2501
04:24:07,890 --> 04:24:08,870
It does not set the ceiling.

2502
04:24:09,390 --> 04:24:12,890
The goal of mediation is to reach that consensus to aim higher.

2503
04:24:14,730 --> 04:24:25,690
Lastly, I think that the social-economic equity analysis that Councilmember Smith speaks

2504
04:24:25,690 --> 04:24:29,890
very passionately about, and I'm passionate about it as well.

2505
04:24:29,890 --> 04:24:42,310
And I do think that there is more, and we've talked about some of the changes we're making and trying to better identify some of the equity issues that are a result of this project.

2506
04:24:42,490 --> 04:24:50,090
But one thing that this project has identified is the need for us to really take a comprehensive look at how we're assessing equity more broadly.

2507
04:24:50,530 --> 04:24:55,850
And so I kind of see it as an issue that is bigger than just this project alone.

2508
04:24:55,850 --> 04:24:59,930
And it's something that we need to think more globally about, not just how.

2509
04:25:00,000 --> 04:25:29,420
All this project will fare the city, but how we're assessing all of our projects, how we're ensuring equity, not just as it relates to an individual project, but how aspects of that project might impact other areas of the city. So I would actually suggest that this would be something that we would need to do, should do, should really take our time doing, but shouldn't necessarily be compelled to hold up the process for reviewing the site plan in order to do that. So again, I appreciate

2510
04:25:30,000 --> 04:25:36,560
the feedback that residents in the time that residents have put in to drafting, to drafting

2511
04:25:36,560 --> 04:25:42,860
this resolution. I know there's been lots of comments about the tenants, who the potential

2512
04:25:42,860 --> 04:25:47,880
tenants will be. We need a lease. We need a lease before we can agree to anything. Somebody

2513
04:25:47,880 --> 04:25:52,880
needs to sign something. And I just want to kind of ask everyone to put yourselves in the position

2514
04:25:52,880 --> 04:26:05,020
of renting an apartment and you show up and there's an empty lot and you ask okay I want to rent this apartment, where is it and they're like we haven't built it yet.

2515
04:26:05,360 --> 04:26:13,000
You're like okay well how much okay when is it going to be built and they're like we have no idea well is it approved to be built yet?

2516
04:26:14,200 --> 04:26:21,720
not quite yet. So would you sign the lease? So you have to ask yourself how easy is it

2517
04:26:21,720 --> 04:26:29,180
for someone like NDC or anyone to sell space that has not been or at least the design

2518
04:26:29,180 --> 04:26:36,060
or the concept has not been greenlit by the city? So it's really important for us to keep

2519
04:26:36,060 --> 04:26:40,860
all of those aspects in mind. And I know we want all of the answers now. But in reality

2520
04:26:40,860 --> 04:26:47,620
This is an iterative process and it's going to take different steps in which we will get the answers that you all seek.

2521
04:26:48,200 --> 04:26:49,100
Thank you.

2522
04:26:49,460 --> 04:26:50,600
Councillor McCostick.

2523
04:26:51,560 --> 04:26:51,920
Thank you.

2524
04:26:52,360 --> 04:26:53,040
Excuse me.

2525
04:26:53,660 --> 04:27:01,620
I want to echo my colleagues' thanks to Council Member Smith and the residents who worked on this resolution.

2526
04:27:02,780 --> 04:27:09,180
I took some time to really seriously consider this resolution because I think there are a lot of

2527
04:27:10,180 --> 04:27:16,920
important sentiments in it and I really understand and sympathize with the desire for more

2528
04:27:16,920 --> 04:27:22,060
clarity, for more answers before moving forward and I think that's a really reasonable

2529
04:27:22,060 --> 04:27:28,100
thing for people to want. The thing that I keep coming back to as I look at the information

2530
04:27:28,100 --> 04:27:34,200
in front of us is that it seems to me it's very difficult to get most of these answers prior

2531
04:27:34,200 --> 04:27:39,700
to, as some of my colleagues have discussed tonight, sort of setting a path forward and setting

2532
04:27:39,700 --> 04:27:43,960
some of these processes in motion at the county level through our discussions with

2533
04:27:43,960 --> 04:27:53,980
SHA related to traffic. So I think for me, it makes a lot of sense to move this vote forward

2534
04:27:53,980 --> 04:27:58,800
to show a direction that the city is taking. And that doesn't mean that everything in the

2535
04:27:58,800 --> 04:28:03,260
site plan is exactly how it will be. It doesn't mean that exactly what we have in front of

2536
04:28:03,260 --> 04:28:07,820
us from the traffic studies is exactly what we're going to end up with at this intersection.

2537
04:28:08,440 --> 04:28:11,440
But I don't think we're in a place where we can say that and I don't think we're going

2538
04:28:11,440 --> 04:28:15,480
to be in a place where we can say that until we move this process forward and see what

2539
04:28:15,480 --> 04:28:20,380
happens at the county level and there will be opportunities for us throughout that process

2540
04:28:20,380 --> 04:28:25,940
to continue to weigh in, to continue to have discussions about traffic, to continue to

2541
04:28:25,940 --> 04:28:30,000
have discussions in September about the mediation process with the co-op.

2542
04:28:30,000 --> 04:28:35,660
So I want to just go through these four points in a little more detail.

2543
04:28:36,380 --> 04:28:38,900
The first issue is related to the mediation.

2544
04:28:40,040 --> 04:28:45,240
I have been very encouraged by the fact that both NDC and the co-op have been committed

2545
04:28:45,240 --> 04:28:46,040
to this process.

2546
04:28:46,680 --> 04:28:52,620
I had the opportunity on Friday and again on Monday to be a part of those meetings and

2547
04:28:52,620 --> 04:28:57,860
it was a great opportunity for me to see and to hear from all of the participants involved.

2548
04:28:59,120 --> 04:29:08,060
And I think from my perspective, sitting in those meetings and talking with people, it makes a lot of sense from mediation to be ongoing.

2549
04:29:08,640 --> 04:29:15,180
And I don't think that a vote on the site plan does anything more than gives us a little more clarity about where we as a city are going.

2550
04:29:15,800 --> 04:29:22,500
I had a really great discussion, just a personal discussion, one-on-one with one of the board members just the other day.

2551
04:29:22,600 --> 04:29:25,360
It was a long discussion an hour and a half and it was a great discussion.

2552
04:29:25,360 --> 04:29:29,300
So I want to thank you for the opportunity to talk more.

2553
04:29:30,440 --> 04:29:34,260
And I think those conversations are the types of things that we need to continue to have.

2554
04:29:34,460 --> 04:29:39,260
And we need to continue to have them one-on-one through mediation and as a city.

2555
04:29:39,620 --> 04:29:47,600
And I see this vote as an opportunity to provide some more clarity on the direction the city wants to go.

2556
04:29:48,040 --> 04:29:50,320
So that our mediation discussions can continue.

2557
04:29:50,320 --> 04:29:57,800
And in September, we'll have a session, we have language in the resolution that's proposed related to the site plan.

2558
04:29:58,380 --> 04:29:59,740
We have a work session.

2559
04:30:00,000 --> 04:30:14,420
We'll specifically talk about that mediation process and the outcomes of that. And that provides the sort of opportunity to really consider those things specifically, and with the intent that we need to, when that process has continued along further.

2560
04:30:17,360 --> 04:30:29,920
Related to traffic, I think, again, I've been involved in transportation issues in the city for a while. I was a member of the Safe Roadways Committee for about

2561
04:30:29,920 --> 04:30:36,020
five years before I was elected, I care very, very much about traffic issues, and I live

2562
04:30:36,020 --> 04:30:39,480
about three blocks away from the junction, I walk through there frequently, I drive through

2563
04:30:39,480 --> 04:30:44,380
there frequently, I understand the challenges that are at that intersection.

2564
04:30:45,660 --> 04:30:49,460
As we're looking at this process, we've all been talking about improvements related to

2565
04:30:49,460 --> 04:30:53,980
this development, and just for years before there was a development, even really seriously

2566
04:30:53,980 --> 04:30:58,100
considered here, like we're looking at now, people have been talking about the problems

2567
04:30:58,100 --> 04:31:04,200
with this intersection so I see the process is moving forward we have a great opportunity

2568
04:31:04,200 --> 04:31:08,240
right now we're talking with SHA and SHA is listening and that's a great opportunity

2569
04:31:08,240 --> 04:31:12,600
for us whether or not you know whatever happens with the vote and whatever happens with

2570
04:31:12,600 --> 04:31:16,800
the future of this project SHA is talking about improving that intersection and that's huge.

2571
04:31:17,520 --> 04:31:23,700
So moving this project forward if we vote on this to move it forward to the the county process

2572
04:31:23,700 --> 04:31:28,660
us will allow for those further discussions with SHA that will give us more of the clarity

2573
04:31:28,660 --> 04:31:30,680
that we need related to traffic.

2574
04:31:32,080 --> 04:31:35,180
The third point is related to racial and socioeconomic equity.

2575
04:31:36,940 --> 04:31:41,360
And I absolutely agree that we need to continue to focus on this.

2576
04:31:41,440 --> 04:31:42,760
We need to focus on it more clearly.

2577
04:31:43,560 --> 04:31:49,500
I agree with Council Member Circi who noted that one opportunity for us as we look at this

2578
04:31:49,500 --> 04:31:54,260
project is to use this as a model and to start to develop our process a little more.

2579
04:31:55,240 --> 04:31:59,240
I've had some really useful discussions just in the last couple of days with a couple

2580
04:31:59,240 --> 04:32:02,240
of people who I think might be able to help us work on that sort of thing.

2581
04:32:02,860 --> 04:32:08,680
I met with a professor at the University of Maryland who works on racial equity issues

2582
04:32:08,680 --> 04:32:14,300
and gave a presentation at the Maryland Municipal League conference back in June.

2583
04:32:14,300 --> 04:32:21,560
I just met with her recently and she has a process for basically conducting a racial equity audit and

2584
04:32:21,560 --> 04:32:30,300
helping a community devise a strategic plan for moving forward. And to me, that's the sort of thing that we need to be focusing on and can provide us with a

2585
04:32:30,300 --> 04:32:37,300
holistic look at these issues in the city that we can then take and apply more specifically to the issues, the specific issues,

2586
04:32:37,300 --> 04:32:40,040
It was like a new project or a policy that we're considering.

2587
04:32:40,900 --> 04:32:44,840
And I think, again, I think there are opportunities as we go through the process with the county,

2588
04:32:44,860 --> 04:32:48,720
there will be more opportunities to look at that in the context of this project.

2589
04:32:49,720 --> 04:32:58,320
And then finally, related to building a consensus to building more community support, again,

2590
04:32:58,440 --> 04:33:03,380
I think having a little more clarity on where we're going, where the council stands on this issue,

2591
04:33:04,280 --> 04:33:13,780
where we want to see this project move forward will help us, in many ways, start to have more of those conversations to bring people together and find those commonalities.

2592
04:33:14,340 --> 04:33:20,880
I know that people won't, people won't all be happy with our results tonight, people won't all be happy with what happens in the county process.

2593
04:33:22,040 --> 04:33:32,780
But I think several people tonight expressed really clearly in the public comment session and I really appreciated the focus on building community and maintaining community and finding commonalities.

2594
04:33:32,780 --> 04:33:34,780
And I think that's really important.

2595
04:33:35,160 --> 04:33:40,200
I also would like to see us as this project moves forward, if it moves forward, find ways

2596
04:33:40,200 --> 04:33:45,420
to work together on things like maybe we don't all love the site plan, but can we work

2597
04:33:45,420 --> 04:33:48,800
together to find tenants that we really, really want in this building?

2598
04:33:49,040 --> 04:33:53,480
I've heard some fantastic suggestions about wanting an incubator project, for example.

2599
04:33:53,920 --> 04:33:57,920
I don't see there being any reason why we can't work together and bring something like

2600
04:33:57,920 --> 04:33:59,420
this to this project.

2601
04:33:59,420 --> 04:34:02,500
And I think that could involve discussions with the co-op.

2602
04:34:02,600 --> 04:34:05,860
I think that could involve discussions with nonprofits, with the city.

2603
04:34:06,480 --> 04:34:09,120
And looking for an opportunity to put that into this very building.

2604
04:34:09,280 --> 04:34:12,640
I don't see this building as precluding any of those fantastic opportunities.

2605
04:34:13,500 --> 04:34:18,280
So I hope that we can come together as this process moves forward and

2606
04:34:18,280 --> 04:34:22,080
work on those sorts of issues because I think there are great opportunities,

2607
04:34:22,360 --> 04:34:26,620
regardless of whether or not you agree with the exact look of the site plan and

2608
04:34:26,620 --> 04:34:28,460
specific things that you want to have in it.

2609
04:34:28,960 --> 04:34:29,620
So thank you.

2610
04:34:30,260 --> 04:34:31,280
That's my respect.

2611
04:34:32,360 --> 04:34:33,320
Thank you.

2612
04:34:33,380 --> 04:34:51,620
I just want to remind my colleagues that before them in the blue folders was a version of the resolution with a friendly amendment by Joseph Glockner, so there

2613
04:34:54,020 --> 04:34:57,840
isn't, yes, it's the highlighted yellow.

2614
04:34:59,020 --> 04:34:59,460
Just

2615
04:35:00,110 --> 04:35:08,190
When we vote on this, I would like to make a motion that we vote on the resolution with the friendly amendment.

2616
04:35:08,750 --> 04:35:15,110
Is that fine with the second? Peter. Is that okay with you because you seconded. Okay.

2617
04:35:15,710 --> 04:35:21,590
That's okay. All right. Read it and then tell me if it's okay. And I'll go to Councilwoman

2618
04:35:21,590 --> 04:35:28,110
Devonant with your light on? Yeah, yeah it was, but I got diverted. I want to say two things

2619
04:35:28,110 --> 04:35:35,250
that I forget to say the first time around. One is that I am completely serious about the

2620
04:35:35,250 --> 04:35:47,250
the notion of going back to the, going back to the site plan, the draft site plan as a result of mediation.

2621
04:35:47,550 --> 04:35:48,510
I may be the only one.

2622
04:35:49,010 --> 04:35:58,990
I don't think I am, but I just want it to be very clear that when I say that I think this does not disadvantage the co-op board.

2623
04:35:58,990 --> 04:36:12,330
It's because I am very serious that about going back if there need to be changes later with respect to the specifics of accommodation for the co-op.

2624
04:36:14,540 --> 04:36:27,380
And I do think that having some clarity about the focus of the project moving forward will help both parties.

2625
04:36:28,380 --> 04:36:37,820
I don't think it disadvantages the call up if anything I think it gives you a party who may be more willing to come to the table.

2626
04:36:38,060 --> 04:36:43,040
So I just want to put that out there and the second thing I wanted to say is they're following up on what Casey said.

2627
04:36:43,200 --> 04:36:56,260
There's nothing to stop us from pursuing community consensus even if this dress I plan goes forward tonight or not, either way.

2628
04:36:56,260 --> 04:37:04,140
And I've heard two people tonight, two weeks ago, I threw this out there, that I would volunteer to pull that together with anybody who is interested.

2629
04:37:04,500 --> 04:37:14,360
I heard two people tonight, Esther and Mary Margo, the Tullo, I'm sorry, I'm forgetting your first name.

2630
04:37:15,000 --> 04:37:20,660
Yeah, saying that you were interested in doing that too, so maybe we can connect on that later this week.

2631
04:37:23,280 --> 04:37:28,820
So, Council Member Covar, are you and I just one last thing I have listened patiently

2632
04:37:28,820 --> 04:37:34,240
for several hours and quite a few people asked me to share my thoughts and I'm trying

2633
04:37:34,240 --> 04:37:36,400
to do that right now. Thank you.

2634
04:37:37,060 --> 04:37:38,880
Council Member Covar, are you okay with the friendly amendment?

2635
04:37:40,280 --> 04:37:40,420
Okay.

2636
04:37:40,860 --> 04:37:43,440
So, when we vote on it, we'll vote on it with the friendly amendment.

2637
04:37:43,960 --> 04:37:45,160
Was there anything else Council Member Smith?

2638
04:37:46,440 --> 04:37:49,080
So I'll just add my thoughts to this.

2639
04:37:49,080 --> 04:38:07,000
A number of people have mentioned over the last few weeks that they feel like some of the council members were tired and we just we want to just move on for the sake of moving on and I want to clarify that point that that is not how I think any of us feel up here.

2640
04:38:07,740 --> 04:38:16,620
In fact, when I was the city council person for ward three and I first came on the council the RFP process has already started.

2641
04:38:16,620 --> 04:38:27,320
and I advocated for and successfully commits my colleagues at the time to slow down the process of selecting a development partner to garner more community input.

2642
04:38:28,240 --> 04:38:36,160
And then over the last three years there have been numerous times I have supported and built into the process pauses and more time in our process.

2643
04:38:36,440 --> 04:38:43,420
And I've been open over the last four years to slowing down our process when I thought it was advantageous to our community.

2644
04:38:43,420 --> 04:38:49,320
At this point, I don't believe it is the best interest of our community to delay this vote.

2645
04:38:49,960 --> 04:38:58,920
It's time that the City Council makes the decision whether or not we believe that this draft site plan should move forward to the county level.

2646
04:38:59,440 --> 04:39:03,440
And we should decide tonight if a majority of our council believes that and

2647
04:39:03,440 --> 04:39:09,420
believes we should move forward to review by state highway, the county planning board and historic preservation commission.

2648
04:39:09,420 --> 04:39:35,180
I agree with my colleagues who have said that we have many questions to continue to ask and we've heard many of the same questions being asked of us and until we go to state highway, the county planning board and historic preservation, we're not going to get the final answers or the input we need to answer some of these questions.

2649
04:39:36,080 --> 04:39:43,980
And I think as Councilwoman DeBalla said, all of the issues that Councilmember Smith raises

2650
04:39:43,980 --> 04:39:50,040
in the alternative resolution are incredibly important issues and ones we've all been talking about.

2651
04:39:50,660 --> 04:39:53,760
The thing that we differ on is the approach right now.

2652
04:39:54,340 --> 04:39:59,820
I understand and I very much respect Councilmember Smith in saying he believes at this point

2653
04:40:00,000 --> 04:40:29,980
It is time to take a pause. There have been times in the past where I have suggested taking a pause and he didn't agree. It was the right time. And that right now, I don't think it's the right time for us to take a pause. Regarding the mediation between the co-op and NDC, again, I've always said I felt like the mediation is a time for us to building trust and a stronger relationship. Because if we do move forward,

2654
04:40:29,980 --> 04:40:39,260
forward with this project, it is not just about the next month to September, or even through the end of the year.

2655
04:40:39,680 --> 04:40:43,580
It is not even about just getting through the county process and the planning board.

2656
04:40:44,120 --> 04:40:50,920
It is about really building trust and a relationship because it's really about our community and

2657
04:40:50,920 --> 04:40:53,220
creating a space that we all want.

2658
04:40:54,140 --> 04:40:57,420
And we want the co-op to thrive and work on that.

2659
04:40:57,420 --> 04:41:04,080
And so I see the mediation and the building of this relationship as something that will

2660
04:41:04,080 --> 04:41:05,000
hopefully continue.

2661
04:41:06,680 --> 04:41:11,680
And I think with the information we'll get through the process at the county with SHA

2662
04:41:11,980 --> 04:41:15,800
and HPC, it will help strengthen that mediation.

2663
04:41:16,300 --> 04:41:20,960
I'm glad that all the parties are still agreed to move forward with the mediation.

2664
04:41:20,960 --> 04:41:28,840
And, again, as Councilwoman DeBalla mentioned, we've worked very diligently on the language

2665
04:41:28,840 --> 04:41:34,920
of the resolution, have taken the suggestions from the co-op to make sure that it is strengthened.

2666
04:41:35,680 --> 04:41:40,480
The language is strengthened to make sure it reflects the fact that if, as the mediation

2667
04:41:40,480 --> 04:41:45,640
moves forward, there are changes to the site plan, we will make sure those changes happen.

2668
04:41:47,940 --> 04:41:53,640
and I just, it's getting late and I'm rambling, I think, I will just say that I tried to

2669
04:41:53,640 --> 04:41:57,820
lay out all these points in the blog I sent out earlier this week because I had a feeling

2670
04:41:57,820 --> 04:42:00,220
we were going to get to this point and it was going to be very late.

2671
04:42:01,420 --> 04:42:06,480
I, if you haven't seen it, I'm more than happy to send that around and talk more about

2672
04:42:06,480 --> 04:42:07,220
these issues.

2673
04:42:07,820 --> 04:42:14,220
And I will just say that I want to thank Council Member Smith and the residents who helped

2674
04:42:14,220 --> 04:42:18,140
to write this resolution on the points regarding racial equity.

2675
04:42:18,440 --> 04:42:21,960
I think these are incredibly important points as all my colleagues have said.

2676
04:42:22,360 --> 04:42:27,460
And I look forward in the fall to coming back from our recess revisiting, putting together

2677
04:42:27,460 --> 04:42:34,060
a community conversation to help us look at maybe the professor at the University of Maryland

2678
04:42:34,400 --> 04:42:36,080
who made you an audit for us.

2679
04:42:36,240 --> 04:42:41,100
The community conversations we've had in the past have really helped us to move forward

2680
04:42:41,100 --> 04:42:45,380
on our affordable housing work and our use development work and I think that it was a good

2681
04:42:45,380 --> 04:42:50,800
model to help us as councilmember Smith said really be much more intentional and strength

2682
04:42:50,800 --> 04:42:55,820
in our work on racial equity. So I think that I will leave it there, councilman DeVolody,

2683
04:42:55,980 --> 04:43:00,960
before you're assuming you're moving toward a vote, before you do that, can I propose that

2684
04:43:00,960 --> 04:43:09,060
we go on to Alaska time, which would make it only 8 o'clock? Okay, because technically we're on

2685
04:43:09,060 --> 04:43:13,900
otherwise. We'll do the last good time. Does that mean it's still light outside then?

2686
04:43:15,040 --> 04:43:18,560
Well, it would feel like it would be light outside if it was been enough. That's true.

2687
04:43:19,620 --> 04:43:24,660
Council Member Smith. Can we have a roll call vote? Absolutely. Are we ready to vote?

2688
04:43:26,950 --> 04:43:28,970
All right. Will the clerk please call the roll.

2689
04:43:32,640 --> 04:43:33,880
Council Member Cove Art. No.

2690
04:43:34,240 --> 04:43:38,400
Council Member DeBalla. No. Council Member Costick. No. Council Member Siemens.

2691
04:43:42,200 --> 04:43:42,260
No.

2692
04:43:42,260 --> 04:43:43,060
Mayor Stewart?

2693
04:43:43,240 --> 04:43:43,340
No.

2694
04:43:44,120 --> 04:43:44,840
Thank you.

2695
04:43:45,340 --> 04:43:46,560
Thank you, Council Member Smith.

2696
04:43:47,480 --> 04:43:47,620
All right.

2697
04:43:47,740 --> 04:43:49,980
We will move on to the next item, our agenda.

2698
04:43:50,900 --> 04:43:54,080
It is the resolution regarding the Decoma Junction site plan.

2699
04:43:56,920 --> 04:43:58,320
So I think

2700
04:44:13,710 --> 04:44:16,290
we'll take another 15-minute break and come back.

2701
04:44:16,410 --> 04:44:16,750
Thank you.

2702
05:00:02,450 --> 05:00:32,430
Thank you, the meeting. I want to thank everyone. Again, we listened to public comments and we discussed the alternative resolution. We'd like to turn our attention now to the resolution regarding the Tacoma Junction Site Plan. And I'd ask first as we did a few weeks ago during the work session that if members of the council would like to make any general comments regarding the resolution and then we can go through any amendments or

2703
05:00:32,430 --> 05:00:36,770
changes people would like and then take the vote on the resolution.

2704
05:00:37,290 --> 05:00:39,950
So first we'll start with general comments.

2705
05:00:40,310 --> 05:00:43,770
Are there any general comments that people would like to start off with?

2706
05:00:43,870 --> 05:00:44,630
Council member Covar.

2707
05:00:45,250 --> 05:00:46,210
I didn't mean to press the button.

2708
05:00:46,350 --> 05:00:47,830
Okay, yeah,

2709
05:00:50,470 --> 05:00:51,750
you sure you don't want to start us off?

2710
05:00:52,550 --> 05:00:53,850
Why don't you start us off?

2711
05:00:55,270 --> 05:01:03,230
Thank you, and I've talked quite a bit about the concern I have about public space.

2712
05:01:03,230 --> 05:01:33,210
I guess I think a number of people who spoke tonight during the public comment did mention that, and as I said myself when we took this up two weeks, so last week we didn't, the council didn't formally consider Junction related matters, but we did the week before on July 11th, and it was late at night, and I understand not everybody stayed up, was able to stay up for that and may not have been able to walk.

2713
05:01:33,210 --> 05:01:39,150
watching on video subsequently, but one of the points that I made was in terms of public space.

2714
05:01:40,150 --> 05:01:47,790
If this resolution is approved, a process will unfold, which will involve several county entities,

2715
05:01:48,010 --> 05:01:56,430
the county planning office and also the Historic Preservation Commission as well as state highway.

2716
05:01:56,550 --> 05:02:01,970
Those three in particular and even our facade advisory board will have some say in the matter.

2717
05:02:01,970 --> 05:02:07,430
So a number of those entities will be opining in various ways on the process.

2718
05:02:07,870 --> 05:02:14,290
And each of them will do the part that they're assigned to do.

2719
05:02:14,410 --> 05:02:17,010
And so from the state highway perspective, for example,

2720
05:02:17,870 --> 05:02:19,910
they will have input into,

2721
05:02:20,630 --> 05:02:24,930
you know, those are the labor work, what about the safety for pedestrians?

2722
05:02:25,670 --> 05:02:31,950
How does the ingress egress from the potential underground parking lot work?

2723
05:02:31,950 --> 05:02:59,690
And what's the overall set of questions about the intersection and even the potential for reconfiguring it that we have to think about planning will address the typical sort of planning type issues that will come up with them and that will include a lot about the construction of the building and then historic preservation will look and I hope make some changes that might scale the building back to some extent in terms of height and what the facade looks like.

2724
05:03:00,970 --> 05:03:04,410
All of those changes could occur, those kinds of changes could occur.

2725
05:03:04,810 --> 05:03:11,410
I don't think any of those entities is going to say, hey, you know what, to come apart, it might be good if you had more public space there.

2726
05:03:11,890 --> 05:03:13,790
That's not what any of them will be assigned to do.

2727
05:03:14,410 --> 05:03:24,010
The closest you might get would be historic preservation, but they'll be looking at the facade, but they're not going to be looking at the facade from the perspective of how much public space the city needs.

2728
05:03:24,010 --> 05:03:30,770
And so we're the ones who have to ask for more public space if we think we want it.

2729
05:03:30,910 --> 05:03:36,310
And so I've mentioned this really for a number of months,

2730
05:03:36,450 --> 05:03:40,810
people will recall when the concept plan, as it was called, came out last year.

2731
05:03:41,310 --> 05:03:45,770
And then I think a lot of people looked at that and thought that building might be okay in certain areas.

2732
05:03:45,790 --> 05:03:50,950
It doesn't work well for us into coming apart, comes out really too close to the sidewalk all the way along.

2733
05:03:50,950 --> 05:04:03,470
And so one of the points that we made, I thought pretty strongly in the resolution that was passed in October and there were a series of things we looked at that we didn't like about the concept plan.

2734
05:04:03,570 --> 05:04:10,830
One of the ones that stood out was the need to have more public space and the precise wording.

2735
05:04:11,050 --> 05:04:20,330
I'll just read the precise wording since that might help just to explain what it was that we thought it would need a large amount of

2736
05:04:20,330 --> 05:04:29,850
The vibrant, comfortable, and easily accessible street level public space that functions as a community gathering spot does not require the purchase of food or beverage to use and as accessible for year round use.

2737
05:04:30,630 --> 05:04:39,650
And then there was also another one that sort of fits with that, which was massing and fits the area and it's comfortable for those using and passing by the site on Carol, sicklemore on Columbia Avenue.

2738
05:04:39,870 --> 05:04:45,230
And so there's this overall size question and public space question that I think is really fundamental to it.

2739
05:04:45,230 --> 05:04:54,010
And so, I think like a lot of people, I was hopeful that when NDC came back with their next iteration of the plan,

2740
05:04:54,490 --> 05:04:58,210
and it was first through the concept plan, there was a site plan that that would be addressed.

2741
05:04:58,430 --> 05:04:59,790
Well, they did put some-

2742
05:05:00,000 --> 05:05:29,740
We put some public space in there, but in my view, nowhere near as much. And so the discussion is centered around the fact that it's the same amount as you see at the gazebo. And it's right around the same amount. I just don't think that that's a good comparison because people will be drawn to the site. That's the purpose of it to be drawn to various retail and commercial outlets and the offices and so on. That will be there. I think a lot more people will gather. And the point that I made, and then I'm coming to a close, the point that I made

2743
05:05:31,420 --> 05:05:36,320
The point I made two weeks ago was that, you know, some people said, well, you don't need that much space.

2744
05:05:36,380 --> 05:05:41,320
That could be too much public space, and it's easy enough to fill in the public space afterwards.

2745
05:05:41,440 --> 05:05:45,000
You could put the fountain that everybody from Fred Schultz on down has talked about.

2746
05:05:45,260 --> 05:05:48,140
You could put play equipment for kids.

2747
05:05:48,140 --> 05:05:52,220
You could put additional tables, chessboards, like to have in DuPont Circle.

2748
05:05:52,360 --> 05:05:58,240
There's no shortage of things you could put to fill public space if for some reason you feel that it's underutilized.

2749
05:05:58,240 --> 05:06:02,900
But the reverse is in true, once the building is structured, the public space is the public space,

2750
05:06:02,900 --> 05:06:05,960
and you can't sort of say, hey, I wish we had more, let's grab it now.

2751
05:06:06,520 --> 05:06:14,160
And so when I had offered an amendment two weeks ago, it was to sort of split the difference

2752
05:06:14,160 --> 05:06:19,460
between the 34,000 of people who are talking about square feet and just under 50, about 48,000

2753
05:06:19,460 --> 05:06:22,860
that I think the current numbers are at and go to 41.

2754
05:06:23,660 --> 05:06:26,760
My colleagues didn't agree with me, so I'm proposing a different amendment.

2755
05:06:26,760 --> 05:06:32,940
and I decided just, it would be worth making it a little smaller and see if maybe I could persuade them this time.

2756
05:06:33,400 --> 05:06:40,540
So it calls for a 10% cut, but what it specifically says in the languages that that would be used specifically to move back the facade.

2757
05:06:40,540 --> 05:06:49,540
It doesn't say exactly how the facade would be moved back, but that all the space created from that would be at street level in the front of the building.

2758
05:06:49,540 --> 05:06:53,960
If you want to make the thing a little deeper or push back the sidewalk or whatever it is,

2759
05:06:54,100 --> 05:06:56,740
that will get more space at street level.

2760
05:06:57,080 --> 05:07:03,640
And it will be roughly a doubling of the area and the size where there's the gathering

2761
05:07:03,640 --> 05:07:04,200
spot now.

2762
05:07:04,640 --> 05:07:08,540
So for those who want full-blown concerts, it wouldn't do it.

2763
05:07:08,640 --> 05:07:13,200
But for those who want to get more public space, it would certainly do that.

2764
05:07:13,200 --> 05:07:29,200
And I think the point is, it looks like this resolution could pass, I think this is a good opportunity to at least live up to what we, what I thought we were saying with the October resolution, so I'll stop there.

2765
05:07:29,200 --> 05:07:35,060
Anyone else like to make some opening comments before we go to the resolution and amendments?

2766
05:07:38,770 --> 05:07:39,590
Councilwoman DeBalla?

2767
05:07:46,390 --> 05:07:52,710
So I may be the only one who hasn't blocked extensively already, largely because of scheduling.

2768
05:07:52,990 --> 05:08:02,830
So for all of you more to and beyond, I will write down and get around my rationale

2769
05:08:02,830 --> 05:08:11,410
else from my thinking. But I do want to make a couple of points. And one is that there's

2770
05:08:11,410 --> 05:08:16,390
been a lot of question about what do people in board two think? And everybody on every

2771
05:08:16,390 --> 05:08:22,850
block thinks that they're block and their friends represent everybody. And I've learned that

2772
05:08:22,850 --> 05:08:28,850
there's many different communities in Tacoma Park. And that many different communities even

2773
05:08:28,850 --> 05:08:34,390
within one neighborhood have different views on what is appropriate here.

2774
05:08:35,230 --> 05:08:44,930
I have been working to, within, and I've said this from the beginning, that I'm working

2775
05:08:44,930 --> 05:08:50,870
within the development agreement, I'm working within the resolutions of previous councils.

2776
05:08:50,870 --> 05:08:57,390
I respect that a lot of people before me have made, have made some choices here.

2777
05:08:58,230 --> 05:09:13,750
And I have offered two weeks ago, and again tonight, I'll have a couple of tweaks to accommodate, to address many of the concerns that got raised tonight.

2778
05:09:13,990 --> 05:09:19,450
Now, some of you may feel like it's not far enough, it's not fast enough, it's not big enough you want to jump the whole thing.

2779
05:09:19,450 --> 05:09:46,430
But I am within the bounds of the proposal that we've got here trying to get the kinds of values that many of us have been looking for on environmental sustainability on affordable housing, on some of the other topics that I've put forth on height, and now we're going to talk about public space.

2780
05:09:46,430 --> 05:09:51,110
So, so that I get that I just want to get that, get that covered.

2781
05:09:52,330 --> 05:09:54,310
Thank you, Councilman Costick.

2782
05:09:54,850 --> 05:09:59,690
Thank you, I don't need to share a lot right now, I talked extensively before.

2783
05:10:00,000 --> 05:10:12,320
Um, about some of my thoughts on, on the previous resolution, but I did want to note that I think, um, I think a lot of the work that we've done in this resolution has really brought it place. I think, uh, really.

2784
05:11:23,770 --> 05:11:29,190
I just wanted to say that I think the work that we've done on this resolution and the

2785
05:11:29,190 --> 05:11:32,510
amendments that have been proposed and the things that have been changed already and

2786
05:11:32,510 --> 05:11:36,990
maybe some of the things that people have to add tonight as well, I think it really brought

2787
05:11:36,990 --> 05:11:42,770
this to a place that addresses a lot of the concerns and tries to address a lot of the

2788
05:11:42,770 --> 05:11:46,830
concerns that we've heard in the community. As Councilmember DeBala said, it might not

2789
05:11:46,830 --> 05:11:51,850
address all of the concerns that people have and I understand that. But I think there's

2790
05:11:51,850 --> 05:11:59,770
been some great additions to this. Things like the environmental sustainability clause

2791
05:11:59,770 --> 05:12:02,090
as that Councilmember DeBolla mentioned,

2792
05:12:02,630 --> 05:12:04,770
dedicating some funds to affordable housing,

2793
05:12:05,730 --> 05:12:07,830
borrowing formula businesses,

2794
05:12:09,510 --> 05:12:12,910
listing a minimum public space,

2795
05:12:13,850 --> 05:12:16,610
providing protections for the back of the building

2796
05:12:16,610 --> 05:12:18,090
related to light and noise,

2797
05:12:19,110 --> 05:12:23,450
as well as minimizing the impact on the wooded area,

2798
05:12:25,290 --> 05:12:27,070
providing for the work session

2799
05:12:27,070 --> 05:12:33,550
to address the mediation outcomes after the mediation is complete with between the co-op and D.C.

2800
05:12:34,390 --> 05:12:37,270
as well as the clause on height.

2801
05:12:37,810 --> 05:12:43,870
So I think there are a lot of resolutions in here that have moved the or a lot of clauses in here that have

2802
05:12:43,870 --> 05:12:47,410
really strengthened this resolution from where it was when it first started.

2803
05:12:47,670 --> 05:12:52,450
And I think we've done a lot to try to address the issues.

2804
05:12:52,450 --> 05:12:58,370
And I think it's something that I feel like has become a very successful document because of those things

2805
05:12:58,370 --> 05:13:02,670
So I want to thank my colleagues for the additions that they've proposed to this

2806
05:13:02,670 --> 05:13:03,870
Thank you

2807
05:13:13,400 --> 05:13:14,340
You can use this

2808
05:13:16,540 --> 05:13:19,200
Just to use the hand, all right, we're just going to use the hand mics tonight

2809
05:13:20,060 --> 05:13:22,940
All right, will you then you have to wave at me if you want to talk?

2810
05:13:24,240 --> 05:13:26,680
Anyone else going? Yeah, Councilman Ciosi

2811
05:13:26,680 --> 05:13:27,180
All right

2812
05:13:28,680 --> 05:13:30,060
Thank you all for hanging in there

2813
05:13:30,820 --> 05:13:37,660
So, I just want to reiterate, a number of the points that Councilmember Cassia brought up.

2814
05:13:38,660 --> 05:13:48,200
You know, it's often hard because at the end of the day, as I noted in a message, I sent out to

2815
05:13:48,200 --> 05:13:56,660
Worstick's residents today, this issue is not black or white. It is really a various shades of gray,

2816
05:13:56,660 --> 05:13:59,040
depending on which topic you're trying to cover.

2817
05:13:59,800 --> 05:14:03,860
And I think that there are benefits and their costs for

2818
05:14:03,860 --> 05:14:04,860
everything that we do.

2819
05:14:05,580 --> 05:14:08,940
But I appreciate this resolution and

2820
05:14:08,940 --> 05:14:12,340
that it tries to come up with and

2821
05:14:13,360 --> 05:14:17,520
promote actionable steps to try to mitigate some of

2822
05:14:17,520 --> 05:14:21,680
some of the potential challenges to the project.

2823
05:14:21,680 --> 05:14:31,280
and also to try to continue to promote a number of the benefits that we see in this type of development.

2824
05:14:32,060 --> 05:14:40,720
I know that there are quite a few folks that may not be 100% happy with what was ultimately,

2825
05:14:41,040 --> 05:14:47,700
that we'll ultimately talk about today, but when we think through some of the major topics

2826
05:14:47,700 --> 05:14:53,260
and some of the aspects and steps forward that are noted here.

2827
05:14:54,020 --> 05:14:57,880
I think this is a really good first step.

2828
05:14:58,740 --> 05:14:59,960
Keeping in mind that we're going to continue.

2829
05:15:00,000 --> 05:15:29,300
Continue to have to take steps along the way. This is a marathon. It is not a sprint. But it does provide a really good first step towards realizing and noting the goals of the city as well as providing a path forward. So I just want to, again, thank members of the council who provided some really wonderful.

2830
05:15:29,980 --> 05:15:33,300
additions to this resolution and I look forward to discussing it.

2831
05:15:42,580 --> 05:15:45,040
Can you hear it? All right. Would anyone else like to speak?

2832
05:15:46,860 --> 05:15:53,920
All right, so I'll just say a few words as I mentioned because I knew it was going to be late tonight.

2833
05:15:54,580 --> 05:15:59,280
I sent around most of my thoughts on this earlier this week.

2834
05:15:59,600 --> 05:16:05,940
And I just want to say one, we know this process has brought out a lot of emotions

2835
05:16:05,940 --> 05:16:20,580
and a lot of people, and I think that there's drawn out long time residents, new residents, old friends and new friends and familiar faces and new ones as we've been talking not just about the junction, but about the future of our city.

2836
05:16:21,500 --> 05:16:35,860
And I know it's been at times challenging, it's been challenging for me personally because I know as we moved through this evening, there are definitely people who I have known for many years who I am probably going to disappoint by.

2837
05:16:35,860 --> 05:16:39,740
by some of the decisions that I plan on making tonight.

2838
05:16:40,600 --> 05:16:43,660
I appreciate everyone's insights and concerns and feedback.

2839
05:16:44,380 --> 05:16:47,740
And whether or not we have agreed or disagreed throughout this process,

2840
05:16:47,980 --> 05:16:51,600
I've really sought to understand viewpoints and

2841
05:16:51,600 --> 05:16:53,640
the diverse perspectives in our community.

2842
05:16:54,880 --> 05:16:57,900
And I really do think that this is an opportunity for us,

2843
05:16:58,020 --> 05:17:03,680
that this project provides us an opportunity today and in the future for our whole community.

2844
05:17:04,840 --> 05:17:11,240
And, you know, I've consulted with people inside and outside the community, and I know people

2845
05:17:11,240 --> 05:17:15,160
have said, oh, we have architects who think this, architects who think that.

2846
05:17:16,360 --> 05:17:21,760
There are really a range of opinions, and I think all of us up here have tried to do

2847
05:17:21,760 --> 05:17:27,180
our best at listening and pulling together the best information we have.

2848
05:17:27,180 --> 05:17:35,380
And as that Councilwoman Ciarci just said, the resolution really does reflect much of that.

2849
05:17:35,860 --> 05:17:43,040
Talking as Councilwoman DiBalla has done about really working hard on the environmental aspects of this.

2850
05:17:43,580 --> 05:17:57,160
I want to thank the residents who came forward and we talked about adding language to ensure that we're really attracting local businesses and that we are borrowing chain stores or formula businesses in this location.

2851
05:17:57,840 --> 05:18:01,180
and many of the other things that we have worked on.

2852
05:18:01,460 --> 05:18:06,100
And so I just want to thank my colleagues for all their work on this.

2853
05:18:06,320 --> 05:18:09,480
And even if we don't ultimately agree on every point,

2854
05:18:09,840 --> 05:18:13,560
I want to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness throughout this process

2855
05:18:13,560 --> 05:18:15,620
and for all the input that we received.

2856
05:18:15,620 --> 05:18:19,080
And I do want to thank the city staff as well.

2857
05:18:19,440 --> 05:18:23,600
There have been lots of questions asked throughout the process.

2858
05:18:23,600 --> 05:18:32,620
and I appreciate them going through the information and providing that to residents and to council members.

2859
05:18:33,200 --> 05:18:40,540
So I think at this time we will, let's first walk through the resolution.

2860
05:18:44,770 --> 05:18:50,710
No, let's actually start. It's late. I know, it's 14 pages.

2861
05:18:51,650 --> 05:18:54,870
I'm going to ask if someone would move the resolution.

2862
05:18:56,780 --> 05:19:03,200
Thank you, Councilmember Siemens. So, I have a second. Then, we're going to walk through and then take amendments, yeah.

2863
05:19:04,440 --> 05:19:08,980
Councilman C.R.C. Second. Okay. And now, let's discuss the resolution.

2864
05:19:10,500 --> 05:19:17,000
We have the deputy city manager. Has it up on the screens? Everyone should be able to see it, correct?

2865
05:19:17,880 --> 05:19:24,250
We'll walk through. There are no changes since the last time we discussed the resolution

2866
05:19:24,250 --> 05:19:29,870
resolution until we get to line 435.

2867
05:19:31,350 --> 05:19:36,670
So unless someone has something that has not been raised yet or they would like to go

2868
05:19:36,670 --> 05:19:42,170
back to, I'll give you a second, but the first thing that we have to discuss is that line

2869
05:19:42,170 --> 05:19:43,090
435.

2870
05:19:49,710 --> 05:19:51,270
Is there a review okay starting here?

2871
05:19:56,230 --> 05:19:57,010
Yes, thank you.

2872
05:19:57,010 --> 05:19:59,630
So online 435.

2873
05:20:00,000 --> 05:20:29,980
I am at a resolve clause. This was the, what is in red? The first, the, the first part of it, not the, the last line that's attached to it, is language that we had worked on with the co-op to be reflective of their changes that they had suggested since our work session on July 11th. So that is what is in red. And then NDC sent us some suggestions.

2874
05:20:29,980 --> 05:20:40,260
changes in blue on this okay we're scrolling here and so the question before

2875
05:20:40,260 --> 05:20:47,420
us is is there a preference between or what is the preference between the

2876
05:20:47,420 --> 05:20:51,820
what is in the resolve clause in red or blue or any other further amendment

2877
05:20:51,820 --> 05:20:57,850
someone would like to make council member covar it's on I thought I was waving

2878
05:20:57,850 --> 05:20:58,210
Thank you.

2879
05:20:58,350 --> 05:20:58,730
That working?

2880
05:20:59,610 --> 05:20:59,650
Yeah.

2881
05:21:00,330 --> 05:21:00,630
Oh.

2882
05:21:00,930 --> 05:21:01,230
You're on.

2883
05:21:01,810 --> 05:21:02,270
People can hear.

2884
05:21:02,530 --> 05:21:02,850
I'm sorry.

2885
05:21:04,870 --> 05:21:07,570
I prefer the existing language.

2886
05:21:07,590 --> 05:21:08,210
It's in red.

2887
05:21:08,390 --> 05:21:09,850
And I'll just say why.

2888
05:21:10,810 --> 05:21:17,790
So this is a language that's in there so that at the conclusion of mediation to the extent

2889
05:21:17,790 --> 05:21:24,570
that changes are required in the site plan that would be approved if this resolution is adopted,

2890
05:21:24,570 --> 05:21:32,330
Those changes can be forwarded on and in fact are required to be forwarded on to the county.

2891
05:21:33,050 --> 05:21:43,870
And the language in red which is what is currently in there says that if site plan changes are required,

2892
05:21:44,090 --> 05:21:48,330
whether because of mutual agreement between NDC and the TPSS club or otherwise.

2893
05:21:48,830 --> 05:21:54,090
And the otherwise is if there isn't a mutual agreement which could happen.

2894
05:21:55,830 --> 05:22:03,250
And the alternative language only focuses on changes that are agreed to by NDC in the

2895
05:22:03,250 --> 05:22:03,430
COP.

2896
05:22:04,050 --> 05:22:11,190
And I think it's important I'm hopeful and based on the reports that I've heard, including

2897
05:22:11,190 --> 05:22:17,830
from some optimism, that I've heard that the mediation will bear fruit.

2898
05:22:17,890 --> 05:22:22,410
But we have to have in the back of our mind at least the idea that maybe it won't.

2899
05:22:22,410 --> 05:22:28,030
And so, to me, it's important to have the language cover both of those eventualities.

2900
05:22:29,450 --> 05:22:30,490
Okay, Councilwoman DiBalla.

2901
05:22:32,810 --> 05:22:33,190
I agree.

2902
05:22:37,760 --> 05:22:38,420
Is it on?

2903
05:22:38,780 --> 05:22:38,900
Yes.

2904
05:22:39,460 --> 05:22:40,280
I agree.

2905
05:22:40,560 --> 05:22:45,280
I don't like the blue for all the reasons that Councilmember Covar said.

2906
05:22:46,120 --> 05:22:48,100
And I had to talk with someone on the break.

2907
05:22:48,100 --> 05:22:52,300
I would like to just explain in case maybe not everybody in the room knows.

2908
05:22:52,300 --> 05:23:20,080
because the development agreement is the contractual agreement between the city and NDC, and in it there's a whole section about if one party defaults on one part of the agreement, and one of those default items is reasonable accommodation for the co-op, and so that is the leverage by which we would either say, oh this is great, you came to agreement.

2909
05:23:20,660 --> 05:23:26,080
We're good, or if it comes to that, where we would say, okay, wait a minute.

2910
05:23:26,780 --> 05:23:28,040
We will

2911
05:23:30,250 --> 05:23:35,330
require NDC, direct NDC to make changes that they might not have agreed to.

2912
05:23:35,610 --> 05:23:42,930
That would be based on the development agreement language, just so everybody's clear on the mechanism here.

2913
05:23:45,970 --> 05:23:47,290
Anyone else like to speak to this?

2914
05:23:53,780 --> 05:23:54,620
Probably don't have enough.

2915
05:23:55,060 --> 05:23:55,820
Can you hear me?

2916
05:23:56,120 --> 05:23:59,120
Probably don't have enough to say to warrant having passed the mic that far, but I agree.

2917
05:23:59,120 --> 05:24:05,840
I think the original language is better than the proposed language from NDC.

2918
05:24:08,160 --> 05:24:08,500
Diddell.

2919
05:24:12,160 --> 05:24:12,400
All right.

2920
05:24:12,540 --> 05:24:13,860
And I will agree as well.

2921
05:24:14,200 --> 05:24:23,760
And so since we have a majority that will be in the clause and when we vote the red

2922
05:24:23,760 --> 05:24:27,940
will be the clause we will have when we vote on the resolution.

2923
05:24:29,340 --> 05:24:35,400
I just had a question for the City Manager, apologies, but I thought I saw somewhere in the

2924
05:24:35,400 --> 05:24:35,780
drafter.

2925
05:24:35,940 --> 05:24:45,580
Did I read it somewhere else that we were asking that NDC put in the lay by so that we

2926
05:24:45,580 --> 05:24:48,860
had to have continuity of construction for deliveries.

2927
05:24:49,780 --> 05:24:50,460
That's in there.

2928
05:24:50,880 --> 05:24:51,380
That's later on.

2929
05:24:51,500 --> 05:24:51,580
Okay.

2930
05:24:51,740 --> 05:24:53,420
I was looking forward and I couldn't.

2931
05:24:53,820 --> 05:24:54,180
Sorry.

2932
05:24:54,320 --> 05:24:55,280
I couldn't remember which clause.

2933
05:24:55,280 --> 05:24:59,920
We just add that and not have it as a discussion point I think we did

2934
05:25:00,000 --> 05:25:24,200
So there are several places in here in red, where it was clear that it was, it was either a clarification or whatever. And that was put in there because there was not any, any controversy whatsoever that the lay by would be the first element constructed so that continuity of operations could continue. Great. Which line is it?

2935
05:25:29,860 --> 05:25:34,340
565, where it starts. Okay. Great. Thank you. I just couldn't remember where we had put that in.

2936
05:25:34,340 --> 05:25:35,760
want to make sure.

2937
05:25:42,610 --> 05:25:45,830
Okay so it says the document will include the requirement to build the

2938
05:25:45,830 --> 05:25:55,290
label in the first stage of the construction process. Thank you. All right then do we want

2939
05:25:55,290 --> 05:26:02,290
to say unless agreed upon unless otherwise agreed upon by NDC and the co-op.

2940
05:26:05,490 --> 05:26:06,310
Wait let's go

2941
05:26:06,310 --> 05:26:07,630
back to that language. Never mind.

2942
05:26:18,420 --> 05:26:21,220
This was a request by the co-op to have this

2943
05:26:21,220 --> 05:26:27,820
language in. You know, if there's some, I mean, there may be times in this resolution

2944
05:26:27,820 --> 05:26:32,720
that all mutual parties agree to some option, and then you, that can be discussed and

2945
05:26:32,720 --> 05:26:33,420
followed up.

2946
05:26:33,980 --> 05:26:43,400
Yeah. Okay. Terrific. So then the next item we go to is the box that starts on line 462.

2947
05:26:45,720 --> 05:26:53,140
This was originally an amendment moved forward by Councilwoman DiBala regarding the height

2948
05:26:53,140 --> 05:26:54,060
of the building.

2949
05:26:54,940 --> 05:26:56,980
We have two things to consider here.

2950
05:26:57,320 --> 05:27:01,580
One was, so in red is the original that Councilwoman DiBala had put forward.

2951
05:27:02,880 --> 05:27:11,540
The first blue is a suggestion from NDC and then Councilwoman Costa had other suggested

2952
05:27:11,540 --> 05:27:16,480
did language. Councilman DiBallad, you have, since you had put this forward, do you have

2953
05:27:16,480 --> 05:27:18,100
a preference and we'll start with you?

2954
05:27:25,390 --> 05:27:30,710
I'm fine with Councilmembers Custick's suggested

2955
05:27:30,710 --> 05:27:37,870
language and I do not like NDSU's suggested language. Okay. I will dido that and I'm going

2956
05:27:37,870 --> 05:27:42,550
to see how many different ways we can pronounce Councilman Custick's last name as the hour

2957
05:27:44,550 --> 05:27:49,970
I think we're going to go at that, because I think we keep pronouncing it differently.

2958
05:27:50,450 --> 05:27:51,330
Council member Calvar.

2959
05:27:51,950 --> 05:27:56,470
I'm less supportive of Council member Cacy's suggested language.

2960
05:27:57,690 --> 05:28:01,750
The reason is, I agree that it's preferable to the NDC language.

2961
05:28:02,270 --> 05:28:08,470
The difference is, and the point I'm just concerned about is, the initial red language has

2962
05:28:08,470 --> 05:28:12,890
to reduce the height of the building up to 5 feet through various means.

2963
05:28:13,470 --> 05:28:16,590
This one says to seek aesthetically appropriate ways to reduce it.

2964
05:28:16,770 --> 05:28:22,070
So, well, neither is definitive because they will talk about up to 5 feet.

2965
05:28:22,630 --> 05:28:29,650
The newer language is just talking about seeking as opposed to simply doing it.

2966
05:28:30,230 --> 05:28:36,530
And I understand if you're saying it's up to 5, then even doing up to 5 could end up being only 1.

2967
05:28:36,530 --> 05:28:43,290
I wish it could be five, but I'd rather call for it than just call for seeking it, if that makes sense.

2968
05:28:47,800 --> 05:28:48,880
And, yeah, Councilor.

2969
05:28:54,730 --> 05:29:00,230
So I will say that I was proposing this language just in an attempt to sort of merge the two of them.

2970
05:29:00,390 --> 05:29:10,050
I'm fine with something that maybe says something like to reduce the height of the building by up to five feet in an aesthetically appropriate way.

2971
05:29:10,050 --> 05:29:13,990
Comma working with Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission.

2972
05:29:14,410 --> 05:29:16,730
Is that acceptable to other people?

2973
05:29:19,440 --> 05:29:24,540
No, so what I proposed, but starting with to reduce,

2974
05:29:30,540 --> 05:29:37,200
to reduce the height of the building by up to five feet in an aesthetically appropriate way.

2975
05:29:40,880 --> 05:29:41,620
Comma working.

2976
05:29:55,720 --> 05:29:56,720
Is that okay?

2977
05:29:56,720 --> 05:29:59,740
Okay, that's fine. Okay. There's any.

2978
05:30:00,000 --> 05:30:29,980
It was a will adopt that language from Councilwoman Costiac with the changes. Any? Yeah, I just would like to say that originally it did say five feet, exactly. And I was persuaded, and I was persuaded that by people who work with historic commission, we're not in the room now, that it ought to say up to five feet. Okay, agreed to that. Okay. Thank you for that clarification. All right.

2979
05:30:29,980 --> 05:30:40,000
All right, the next line is at line 486 and this is Councilmember Covars suggested language.

2980
05:30:48,410 --> 05:30:57,750
The next one is the additional language proposed by Councilmember Costick on line 510.

2981
05:30:58,270 --> 05:31:03,390
This adds, explore the potential of adding a paved or unpaid walking path into or benches

2982
05:31:03,390 --> 05:31:05,410
is in the forest conservation area, easement.

2983
05:31:06,150 --> 05:31:08,710
I think we don't need area again.

2984
05:31:09,790 --> 05:31:11,850
Provided that these elements do not disturb

2985
05:31:11,850 --> 05:31:14,670
the natural elements and conservation goals of this area.

2986
05:31:17,990 --> 05:31:18,810
Is that any?

2987
05:31:19,250 --> 05:31:23,360
Yeah, can I say something?

2988
05:31:23,980 --> 05:31:34,560
Yeah, so there was an informal tree commission memo

2989
05:31:35,060 --> 05:31:50,060
a couple of three, whatever it was several months ago, and I meant to contact you about this beforehand, I'm sorry, to tell you that they recommended not to do that because of the slope and because of the kind of path that would have to go in as a result.

2990
05:31:50,280 --> 05:31:58,900
I would personally think it would be a lovely touch, but I also think from an environmental point of view that it's just not feasible.

2991
05:31:58,900 --> 05:32:16,630
If I might just on that, it is absolutely the case that if there's slopes and that kind of thing because of ADA requirements and the other kind of impacts, you know, these kinds of paths would have to be very close to the two Columbia.

2992
05:32:17,410 --> 05:32:23,630
I don't think it harms anything to say explore the potential, but those other kinds of regulations would come into play.

2993
05:32:26,500 --> 05:32:31,440
Yeah, did you well just if it says explore it doesn't mean we have to do it right. Is there any harm in exploring?

2994
05:32:34,240 --> 05:32:34,640
No

2995
05:32:35,400 --> 05:32:41,200
Well, I mean is it is literally impossible fine, but if is it if we get explored? I don't see the harm

2996
05:32:41,200 --> 05:32:44,460
That's would be my view. Okay. Yeah, we good

2997
05:32:49,020 --> 05:32:54,380
Yeah, I'll just say that that was partially my thinking in terms of including this language to say explore

2998
05:32:55,180 --> 05:32:59,280
And hopes that maybe maybe if we can't have a paved path or un paved path

2999
05:32:59,280 --> 05:33:03,940
But the benches could at least be some, there could be some benches or something like

3000
05:33:03,940 --> 05:33:04,980
that closer to the sidewalk.

3001
05:33:06,080 --> 05:33:11,600
So my perspective would be, I would like to see it in there just as an opportunity

3002
05:33:11,600 --> 05:33:15,520
to explore it whether or not it's possible can be decided further than the line.

3003
05:33:16,960 --> 05:33:17,300
Okay.

3004
05:33:17,640 --> 05:33:23,860
Hearing no objections, and that will be in the resolution that we vote on.

3005
05:33:23,860 --> 05:33:31,260
The next is at line 524, I'm going to turn, this is regarding the storm water treatment.

3006
05:33:32,600 --> 05:33:34,240
Councilman de Bala, can I turn it over to you?

3007
05:33:34,640 --> 05:33:34,860
Yes.

3008
05:33:36,980 --> 05:33:39,460
There was only one word missing.

3009
05:33:40,240 --> 05:33:45,620
Treatment will significantly exceed the city's 50% requirement for redevelopment.

3010
05:33:47,580 --> 05:33:53,130
We talked about putting that in there and it just didn't, but the word didn't make it

3011
05:33:53,130 --> 05:33:53,370
in there.

3012
05:33:53,370 --> 05:34:13,170
But the intent here is a 100% storm order treatment on site compared to say 95% is prohibitively expensive and is probably not a good choice but to push way beyond the 50% that the county requires is the intent here.

3013
05:34:14,030 --> 05:34:17,550
And I think this staff language captures it better than what I had.

3014
05:34:19,840 --> 05:34:22,220
Thank you. Anyone have any questions regarding the storm order?

3015
05:34:22,220 --> 05:34:26,020
All right, then that will be included.

3016
05:34:27,240 --> 05:34:38,200
Before we move up, I just wanted to go back to the line regarding on 567 and 568 regarding the lay by.

3017
05:34:40,920 --> 05:34:46,360
This is the document will include the requirement to build the lay by in the first stage of the construction process.

3018
05:34:48,200 --> 05:34:58,360
and I want I'm trying to get in there and sorry it's late and that it will be to be used by the

3019
05:34:58,360 --> 05:34:59,960
co-op for deliveries during-

3020
05:35:04,220 --> 05:35:10,620
The whole class is about continuity of operations, but I'd feel better if we spelled it out.

3021
05:35:15,510 --> 05:35:35,160
Did everybody get that? We jumped to line 565 and we're talking about trucks again. The document as in the document that that describes how construction impacts on area businesses will be addressed. Can we just add to facilitate co-op deliveries during construction?

3022
05:35:35,160 --> 05:35:41,580
construction? Oh, that's good. To the end of that? I think that works.

3023
05:35:43,770 --> 05:35:50,310
At the very end, where it says, the first stage of the construction process to facilitate

3024
05:35:50,310 --> 05:35:52,170
co-op deliveries during construction.

3025
05:35:57,240 --> 05:35:59,660
I heard a label out there in the audience somewhere.

3026
05:36:00,700 --> 05:36:05,960
Facilitate, pithillate, whatever. Facilitate. Okay. So let's add that to that to clarify

3027
05:36:05,960 --> 05:36:11,080
that point. Council member Covey, are you okay going back to your amendment?

3028
05:36:11,740 --> 05:36:12,300
Okay.

3029
05:36:14,580 --> 05:36:21,500
So now we have, yeah, before we leave energy neutral, is this last?

3030
05:36:24,540 --> 05:36:25,600
So I would just

3031
05:36:25,600 --> 05:36:32,340
like to clarify once again for council what I said two weeks ago that the intent on line

3032
05:36:32,340 --> 05:36:37,680
537, creating an energy neutral building, the Ryan said methods are off-site renewable energy

3033
05:36:37,680 --> 05:36:46,240
credits. I do mean energy not just electricity because of building that might potentially have

3034
05:36:46,240 --> 05:36:51,980
a restaurant and it will use a lot of hot water. However, many residents, myself included,

3035
05:36:52,380 --> 05:37:01,040
by renewable energy credits in compensation for the natural gas heating that we use. So it

3036
05:37:01,040 --> 05:37:07,340
It isn't hard, it isn't that expensive, even though there was some confusion about whether

3037
05:37:07,340 --> 05:37:09,020
it was electricity or all energy.

3038
05:37:09,240 --> 05:37:10,780
I do, in fact, mean all energy.

3039
05:37:11,000 --> 05:37:13,900
Just before we vote on it, I just want to make that clear to everybody.

3040
05:37:14,140 --> 05:37:16,040
And then there are ways that you can convert.

3041
05:37:21,030 --> 05:37:21,310
All right.

3042
05:37:22,230 --> 05:37:26,010
Then moving back to line 486.

3043
05:37:27,210 --> 05:37:33,930
This is regarding, it's actually Council Member Kovar suggested language, starts online for 96.

3044
05:37:35,170 --> 05:37:42,660
Council Member Kovar, I know you said this in the beginning statements but is there anything else you'd like to use the microphone?

3045
05:37:43,960 --> 05:37:55,140
I think I explained it, I would encourage my colleagues to join me in voting for it, and I would just say one other thing if we were to put this language in, and NDC doesn't like it.

3046
05:37:55,140 --> 05:37:58,140
That doesn't mean the project gets killed.

3047
05:37:58,440 --> 05:38:00,620
That just means there's a little more discussion with NDC.

3048
05:38:04,320 --> 05:38:08,020
Okay. We didn't even like to speak to this council member.

3049
05:38:08,180 --> 05:38:09,960
Sir, see this thing gone.

3050
05:38:10,120 --> 05:38:10,680
Okay. Awesome.

3051
05:38:12,080 --> 05:38:17,680
So my concern still is the fact that in order to increase

3052
05:38:18,990 --> 05:38:21,220
the amount of public space proposed,

3053
05:38:21,780 --> 05:38:28,100
it would mean the setback for the project would be too great.

3054
05:38:28,120 --> 05:38:30,440
in whether or not that would be approved.

3055
05:38:31,300 --> 05:38:38,320
So for me, I think we want more public space, true,

3056
05:38:39,180 --> 05:38:40,940
but I also argue whether or not,

3057
05:38:41,240 --> 05:38:47,940
we have a provision that asks NDC to partner

3058
05:38:47,940 --> 05:38:50,960
with the city on revitalization of B Y Morrison Park.

3059
05:38:51,180 --> 05:38:55,220
And so I wonder if, because of the setback requirements,

3060
05:38:55,220 --> 05:39:02,740
If we're not able to get that extra space at the current location,

3061
05:39:04,320 --> 05:39:07,940
would revitalization of BY, Morrison Park, and making it more functional,

3062
05:39:08,720 --> 05:39:11,280
also kind of add to the overall public space.

3063
05:39:11,280 --> 05:39:14,560
Again, I'm just thinking about the overall setback requirements for the businesses.

3064
05:39:15,300 --> 05:39:20,340
Well, I think that the idea of revitalizing Morrison Park is a great idea,

3065
05:39:20,340 --> 05:39:25,420
Yeah, and that should happen regardless, but I don't do that as a substitute.

3066
05:39:25,640 --> 05:39:30,560
And the reason for that is I think that what people see with both Mars and

3067
05:39:30,560 --> 05:39:36,020
Park and also the gazebo, at least those two, there isn't a lot of activity there.

3068
05:39:36,080 --> 05:39:40,760
Unless there's something specific schedule there, for example, a concert or

3069
05:39:40,760 --> 05:39:44,640
gathering of some kind that is announced and people are invited to it.

3070
05:39:45,060 --> 05:39:50,140
And so to get the kind of more spontaneous sort of gathering that I think a lot of people

3071
05:39:50,140 --> 05:39:55,500
We'll talk about in the public comments tonight and that we've talked about a fair amount

3072
05:39:55,500 --> 05:39:56,120
in the past.

3073
05:39:56,580 --> 05:39:59,980
If you're drawn to a site because there's a restaurant or a cafe or other...

3074
05:40:00,000 --> 05:40:29,620
I'm going to go off there that you're interested and then you hang out. I think that's typically where you get that. Now, I would add that the language, which is also what was in the earlier version, and I think councilwoman Costa have been responsible for part of that. It says that if the lay by gets modified during the county review process that the space still has to be preserved and put somewhere else. And so if one of the concerns is that if I'm understanding council member

3075
05:40:29,620 --> 05:40:40,400
or seriously correctly that the facade might be the historic preservation might insist that the facade be kept closer to the street.

3076
05:40:40,840 --> 05:40:41,980
Perhaps that's what you're suggesting.

3077
05:40:42,860 --> 05:40:48,860
I'm fine with the idea of just saying this same amount of space that I'm asking for has to be put somewhere there.

3078
05:40:49,320 --> 05:40:58,340
My sense was it made the most sense to have it at the front, but if they don't like that and then we want to have it somewhere else where it would still be useful to the public, I'd be okay with that.

3079
05:41:02,380 --> 05:41:24,520
No, so I just want to make sure that the point is raised that there are setback requirements by the county like Montgomery County so, you know, pushing like the suggestion that we could push back the actual storefronts and have them sitting further back from the street, there are requirements there and again, I think I understand that process but.

3080
05:41:27,260 --> 05:41:33,320
I guess what I'm saying is, although this says move back to facade, I'm fine if we also

3081
05:41:33,320 --> 05:41:37,780
added something that said, but if your preservation says you can't move back to facade, we'll

3082
05:41:37,780 --> 05:41:42,040
get the extra space somewhere else. I would like to see the extra space. My preference

3083
05:41:42,040 --> 05:41:44,200
would be to have it at the front, but what's that?

3084
05:41:45,620 --> 05:41:48,940
Then why not just say, you can't buy 10% period?

3085
05:41:49,600 --> 05:41:51,320
If people want to vote for that, I'll accept that.

3086
05:41:51,320 --> 05:41:52,320
But to

3087
05:41:58,620 --> 05:42:00,520
be clear, I think there's, I think there's two issues.

3088
05:42:00,860 --> 05:42:06,300
The first is the planning requirement for where the setback line goes, and that's a discussion

3089
05:42:06,300 --> 05:42:09,020
not just for historic preservation, but it's for the zoning.

3090
05:42:10,360 --> 05:42:17,120
The other obviously has the financial implications of a smaller building, and how that might change

3091
05:42:17,560 --> 05:42:21,120
what their contributions are in other aspects of your requirements.

3092
05:42:25,200 --> 05:42:27,040
Any other comments regarding this?

3093
05:42:28,180 --> 05:42:28,940
Councilwoman DiBalla.

3094
05:42:29,780 --> 05:42:46,060
Yeah, I had to make this more complicated because I would at least in theory like to see more public space, more importantly I would like to see public space that's useful regardless of the size.

3095
05:42:46,500 --> 05:42:57,680
But one concern I have is that there may be other demands on square footage as we go through the process.

3096
05:42:57,680 --> 05:43:05,440
the back end for stormwater retention on the side if the card or gets wider for whatever

3097
05:43:05,440 --> 05:43:05,980
reason.

3098
05:43:06,260 --> 05:43:17,080
And I'm reluctant to say right now, 10% off the top knowing that there may be another

3099
05:43:17,080 --> 05:43:24,200
10% off the top somewhere on another issue and then the economic viability of the project

3100
05:43:26,360 --> 05:43:31,820
is a little more questionable. The rents are a little higher and we don't want to go there.

3101
05:43:32,520 --> 05:43:34,780
So that's something to think about.

3102
05:43:36,880 --> 05:43:44,040
I appreciate that. It sounds a little bit though like negotiating against ourselves in advance.

3103
05:43:44,680 --> 05:43:49,380
Those things could happen and there are trade-offs when anything is done.

3104
05:43:49,380 --> 05:43:52,760
And for me, it's sort of difficult to imagine.

3105
05:43:52,920 --> 05:43:58,480
I mean, this is not as big an increase in public space that I wanted or as big a percentage

3106
05:43:58,480 --> 05:44:02,420
reduction in public space in square footage for the building as I had hoped for.

3107
05:44:02,880 --> 05:44:05,060
Some people said, well, why bother?

3108
05:44:05,140 --> 05:44:05,940
That's such a small amount.

3109
05:44:06,000 --> 05:44:07,040
It's not going to make any difference.

3110
05:44:07,120 --> 05:44:08,040
We're not going to make any difference.

3111
05:44:08,200 --> 05:44:09,280
And why don't we just approve it?

3112
05:44:09,400 --> 05:44:11,740
I mean, it's either significant or it isn't.

3113
05:44:11,820 --> 05:44:18,180
I think if you double the amount of public space by a pretty modest amount, you know, I think

3114
05:44:18,180 --> 05:44:24,160
a few extra dollars per square foot, it doesn't strike me as that's going to create, you

3115
05:44:24,160 --> 05:44:29,400
know, the next Citronelle having to move there, I think that's a pretty modest thing.

3116
05:44:29,760 --> 05:44:34,480
So I think we can, we've discussed this and we've discussed this two other times.

3117
05:44:34,700 --> 05:44:37,540
Why don't we just take a vote on this one?

3118
05:44:37,880 --> 05:44:42,800
All those in favor of including Council Member Covar suggested language in the resolution,

3119
05:44:43,020 --> 05:44:43,880
please raise your hand.

3120
05:44:45,200 --> 05:44:47,740
All those opposed, please raise your hand.

3121
05:44:49,200 --> 05:44:49,460
All right.

3122
05:44:51,410 --> 05:44:51,990
All right.

3123
05:44:52,170 --> 05:44:58,150
Are there any other amendments or changes people would like to suggest to the resolution?

3124
05:45:00,980 --> 05:45:30,880
All right, seeing Noah. I would like to in response to many of the comments we had tonight in the section on SHA Reconfiguration and what we expect, just online 592 to add to work with SHA on Reconfiguration of the Junk and Intersection and other measures and on a county.

3125
05:45:30,880 --> 05:45:38,160
of costs so that we can and I'm sorry and what and on accounting of costs so that I really

3126
05:45:38,160 --> 05:45:44,500
can't hear you say it's okay and on accounting of costs and on accounting of costs or just

3127
05:45:44,500 --> 05:45:52,200
and on costs so that we can signal very clearly that that is an upfront issue that we need

3128
05:45:52,200 --> 05:45:57,380
to know how much it is and start talking about how we're going to pay for it. How it is going

3129
05:45:57,380 --> 05:46:01,480
to be paid for. Let me for phrase that. So the council will continue to work with

3130
05:46:01,480 --> 05:46:06,620
SHA and reconfiguration and other measures to improve traffic flow and on

3131
05:46:06,620 --> 05:46:12,600
costs. It doesn't make sense. I'm sorry. Okay. And on cost and on cost of the

3132
05:46:12,600 --> 05:46:16,400
juction and intersection and other measures, comma and on costs.

3133
05:46:32,180 --> 05:46:32,700
Yeah,

3134
05:46:51,200 --> 05:46:51,800
that's

3135
05:46:51,800 --> 05:46:52,680
comments on that or

3136
05:47:00,460 --> 05:47:09,480
I just think it should say taking into consideration of something because otherwise it says improve because

3137
05:47:16,810 --> 05:47:21,750
otherwise it says to improve because it's a little weird.

3138
05:47:23,620 --> 05:47:24,970
Are we both going to change?

3139
05:47:25,850 --> 05:47:28,970
All right. Any other suggestions?

3140
05:47:30,410 --> 05:47:32,750
All right. See no other suggestions.

3141
05:47:33,890 --> 05:47:35,170
I'll take a roll call vote.

3142
05:47:35,890 --> 05:47:35,950
Yeah.

3143
05:47:36,510 --> 05:47:37,010
Sorry.

3144
05:47:37,270 --> 05:47:37,530
It's okay.

3145
05:47:38,390 --> 05:47:38,610
Yeah.

3146
05:47:39,150 --> 05:47:45,250
I just, I see this as going back to what I said before.

3147
05:47:45,690 --> 05:47:51,770
If I thought that some of the people who commented earlier that there is a compromise that

3148
05:47:51,770 --> 05:47:56,430
many people will agree with, if I thought that was the case, I would be pursuing that.

3149
05:47:56,770 --> 05:48:02,650
But the people that I have talked to who say that they want less development mean a lot

3150
05:48:02,650 --> 05:48:04,750
less than 10% more public space.

3151
05:48:05,410 --> 05:48:07,890
And the people who I talk to say they're fine with it,

3152
05:48:07,950 --> 05:48:10,010
mean they're fine with it, and then they'd like a third story.

3153
05:48:10,470 --> 05:48:12,110
I'm not seeing a lot of middle ground.

3154
05:48:12,630 --> 05:48:18,090
And so on then making the assumption that I'm working within this framework,

3155
05:48:18,550 --> 05:48:25,190
I would rather have a better shot at more reasonable rates,

3156
05:48:25,770 --> 05:48:32,210
more minority businesses, more flexibility for the co-op and for the stormwater requirements.

3157
05:48:33,610 --> 05:48:40,750
And that's just why I personally voted the way that I did on the public space.

3158
05:48:41,350 --> 05:48:42,270
Thank you.

3159
05:48:42,650 --> 05:48:43,350
Okay.

3160
05:48:43,690 --> 05:48:53,970
Why don't we do a, do, all right, we'll do a roll call vote.

3161
05:48:55,310 --> 05:48:56,010
Okay.

3162
05:48:56,970 --> 05:48:58,210
Councilmember Covear.

3163
05:48:58,390 --> 05:48:58,550
No.

3164
05:48:59,010 --> 05:49:00,110
Councilmember DeBalla.

3165
05:49:00,670 --> 05:49:00,870
Yes.

3166
05:49:00,870 --> 05:49:08,790
Councilmember caustic councilmember Siemens. I councilmember Smith. No councilmember Circe. I mayor Stewart. Yes

3167
05:49:08,790 --> 05:49:14,180
I think that is our business for this evening. We are adjourned

3168
05:50:22,640 --> 05:50:23,800
Seja o que eu não vi.