On Dec. 18, I came to find out just how little our City Council really cares about the concerns of their voters.
I, along with many other citizens, sat waiting for up to four hours to have an opportunity to voice concerns about the proposed apartment projects on Valpico Road and Glenbriar Drive. Many of our concerns appeared to have the support of the council, including Mayor Brent Ives, during the meeting. However, we were shocked at their decision to still go forward with this project, even after they acknowledged the issues raised.
They had obviously made up their minds prior to our arrival at the meeting, and it was obvious the voters in this city have no say where they are concerned.
At capacity, up to 500 additional vehicles will be entering Valpico Road and MacArthur Drive, currently one lane in each direction. At present, there are many areas with no sidewalks — just dirt or ditches that are within a few feet of 40 mph traffic that pedestrians, including children walking to the various schools, will be expected to use. There is no set budget or timetable in place for their completion.
The two complexes appear to be being added with no regard for safety issues or the existing area needs and issues surrounding it. Shouldn’t these be completed first, or in conjunction with road improvement projects on Valpico and MacArthur, not after the fact when the city gets the money for it?
The voters of this city have the absolute right to expect their elected city officials to be listening to what they want. And if they don’t, we should be voting that they are not there for another term.
• Editor’s note: The City Council unanimously approved 144-unit and 60-unit apartment complexes on Valpico Road at the dead-end of Glenbriar Drive during the council’s Dec. 18 meeting.
You realize of course that there are some people that beleive soemthing entirely different, right? That nearly everything has pros and cons to consider? It is very easy to agree with a concern that someone has, and still think overall that the pros outweigh the cons.
That it is very likely that the building in which you reside, caused an increase in traffic for the people who already resided in the area?
That oftentimes, and I don't know in this specific case, you have to have concrete reasons for denying a development, you can't just say "no, we don't like it"
I would have more respect for those opposed to the complex if they would be a little more honest about their motives. They are afraid of this being in their backyard. And that is exactly what the council addressed, verbatim. In contrast, the NIMBYs tried a less than honest approach (about traffic issues) and unwittingly never voiced their real concerns.
do a search for Safe Routes to Schools.
The only legitimate concern is traffic. The city does need to fix Valpico. Hopefully that will be soon.
The Mayor was correct in his statement of no one wants it in their backyard.
I tend to agree with your comment. Does anyone know who the developer is and/or who owns the land?