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.
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.
posted by Bob Nowicki | 5:00 PM
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