Neighborhood No. 7 - Why Voting Matters

On Thursday the 15th of June a meeting was held to consider the neighborhood plan for the LINC Neighborhood No. 7 Plan. This region is bounded by University Ave, Johnston St., Garfield St. (by the railroad tracks) and Pinhook Rd. All residents in this area are eligible to vote on the Neighborhood Plan.

Although the meeting was well attended, there were fewer people there than are eligible to vote on the proposed Plan. It is vital that as many eligible households as possible vote, so that the will of the people is known. People who missed the meeting can cast their ballots at the Planning Office, at the Rosa Parks Transportation Center.

One reason this ballot is crucial is that the adoption of a neighborhood plan provides a crucial tool to guide the Planning and Zoning Commission, when they consider applications for development in the area. For instance, had the plan been in place, it would have been much harder for Capstone Development to propose their students apartment blocks.

It is important to realize that voting in favor of the plan merely has the effect of telling the City that you favor having a plan. The current plan is not set in stone. It is merely a set of ideas that can be subject to change and amendment. If the plan is approved, then a whole set of administrative structures, including a 'Coterie' will be created to implement and advise upon the details of the plan. The Coterie is an elected body, made up of property owners and residents in the area. Thus, even if one has issues with certain aspects of the plan, these concerns can be addressed by raising these issues with the Coterie.

Without a plan, the area is likely to continually fall prey to out of State property speculators, like Capstone. With the plan, these threats can be neutralized. Thus, for the future of the region, it is important that residents cast their votes. Please do so.