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Rochester 5th Ward Information

In an attempt to close the gap between city government and its citizens, especially those I represent in Rochester's Fifth Ward, I will try to provide timely updates on issues and concerns that are under consideration for council action as well as any specific concerns you bring to my attention.

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Location: Rochester, Minnesota, United States

IBM retiree after 32 years, positions in service, marketing, product development, business and product strategy. Many community volunteer boards and committees including Diversity Council, IMAA, Sesquicentennial, RNeighbors (formerly Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center). Elected to City Council in 2002. Represent 5th Ward. Member Environmental Commission, ROCOG (Rochester Olmsted Council of Governments), State Emergency Radio Board, Co-Chair Kiwanis/Wells Fargo Hockey Festival, State Emergency Radio Board

Saturday, February 18, 2006

New Development in NE Rochester

About 3 years ago I collaborated with then City Council President, John Hunziker and City Plannning Director, Phil Wheeler in writing a simple document titled "Not in my Backyard." It's available on-line at http://www.ci.rochester.mn.us/departments/citycouncil/GuideToCouncilMeetings.pdf and was intended to help you understand some of what happens when a new development is being proposed near you (in you backyard). I need to update it and will because I learned a lot in the last 3 years on the council but it's still a pretty good overview on what you can do when such an event happens. (a reference to the Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center should be changed to "RNeighbors". You can access RNEighbors by going to their home page at www.rneighbors.org .

The most recent example of neighors working together wit a business proposing a new development and zone change occured just last week -- the Think Credit Union's proposal to develop the SW corner on the intersection of Viola Rd and CR22 (the old Wheeler Horse Farm).

Nearby residents were invited to an informational meeting called by the Credit Union and they attended (note: this is an important first step so if invited - attend!). This is a first meeting and both sides had an opportunity to exchange information with each other and learn more about the proposal. It was my first exposure to the project so I attended in "learning" mode as well.

Armed with what I gathered at the meeting I was in a much better position to help both sides evaluate options and concerns for the area which is very helpful to me as eventually the final decision as to the disposition of the request is made by the city council. Taking the political, "
Some of the people are for this and some of the people are against this and I'm for the people" doesn't cut it as you can imagine.

Though it's still too early to say what the final result will be, you should know that much work occurs behind the scenes as our planning department takes into consideration the Land Use Plan, traffic flow, access points, the surrounding area both residential and commercial, future growth, water, sewer and other infrastructure needs and a lot of other things. I'm very proud to say that I believe Rochester has a most dedicated and professional planning department and public works staff to help all sides make the right decision.

The first formal public hearing will be with the City Planning and Zoning Commission (CPZC) who does a fantastic job to help see that the right decision for all is made as well. After this hearing then the matter is brought forward to the city council for another public hearing and the final binding decision. So you can see that there are several occasions to make your concerns heard and several occasions where thnings can change.

I'm looking forward to seeing what will transpire with this particular proposal but rest assured that it will be done with "win-win" in mind.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

HOT TOPIC -- What are your views on the proposed sports facilities in Rochester?

Good question. I ask my constituents this every chance I get. It’s important to know what they want and expect.

The PB has published numerous articles on the value of sports to the local area economy. “Ice time is nice time” , “Plenty of company coming to Rochester in ’06, ‘07” on Nov. 28th; “Sports bring dollars” around the same time. “Athletes bring big bucks to the city.” on January 24th and even an editorial comment "Consider your tax dollars as an investment in the community".

The articles talk about the value to the local economy and especially to the hospitality business, our third largest employer. This IS important but is it our taxpayer’s responsibility to see that this industry or our local economy thrives at their expense? That’s the real question.

So we get taxes that might not otherwise be there. So these businesses are successful and, seeing that, other businesses establish themselves in our community. What’s this mean to you and me?

Jobs for one thing -- yours, your kids, grandkids, your friends, your neighbors. Certainly jobs that are filled by residents learning the language and attempting to assimilate into our society instead of being on the dole.

Let’s also consider the savings in time and dollars to the parents who might stay in town rather than travel elsewhere – if there were such facilities locally. Let’s consider parent’s savings in time and energy not having to haul youngsters to practice arenas at 4:30 in the morning because of the lack of facilities at more reasonable times of the day.

What about giving the kids something to do? You don’t hear the “I don’t have anything to do” complaint from kids actively engaged in school activities, especially sports. “Kids on ice don’t get into hot water.” I’ve been told.

Finally, let’s take a look at where the request for support of the proposed facilities is coming from. They’re not originating from myself or any of the other council members. Nope.

The plea for help and support comes from our taxpayers themselves -- those who recognize the need, those who are willing to collaborate and fund the needed facilities or a majority portion of it, those who are concerned about the present and future viability of our community . They are parents, grandparents, the business community. Being responsible representatives of the people, I and the others on the council feel at least obligated to look long and hard at these requests.

And so we do.

Bob Nowicki


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