Democracy on the Front Lines
City Administrator’s Blog
Walter Denton
July 3, 2007
With nearly 200 people in attendance and after 90 minutes of discussion, the City Council approved the Creekside Promenade shopping center on first reading by a vote of 8-6. The ordinance requires two readings so the final vote will be taken at the July 16 City Council meeting. [Click here and here to read previous blogs on the project.]
There were impassioned presentations by the developer and citizens both for and against the project. Discussion among the aldermen was reasoned and varied. Several motions were made, some passed and some did not.
Here is the score card of the votes:
-- The motion to restrict hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. was approved by a vote of 8-6.
-- The motion to prohibit all alcohol sales failed by a vote of 9-5.
-- The motion to limit the project to 15,000 square feet failed by a vote of 7-7.
-- The motion to restrict hours of operation from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. failed due to lack of a second.
-- The ordinance as amended was approved by a vote of 8-6.
The meeting was remarkably civil and ordered. Mayor Graham did a good job managing the meeting so that all viewpoints could be expressed. From a policy standpoint, this is what democracy is all about: differing perspectives deliberating in a public forum about an issue of community interest. The City Council then must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the issue and make a decision that is best for the community as a whole.
As I mentioned, the project has only made it through first reading. The issue will be on the Community Development Committee’s July 9 agenda and then back to the City Council for a final vote on July 16. The purpose of having two readings between ordinances is so the elected officials can receive public input and further deliberate on the merits of the issue at hand. I expect there will continue to be communication between aldermen, residents, developers, and staff before this is decided one way or another on July 16.
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