So the Chamber admits that some things with Shape Places needs to be fixed;
While the chamber supports Shape Places, board members agree with Save Our Neighborhood on one point. They recommend the city review the ordinance to address concerns about how the new rules would change the opportunities for the public to give input on a project.
Palmer said the best way to ensure that happens is to revisit the ordinance.
“Voting No on Shape Places in April will give the city and interested parties the opportunity to work together to make the necessary changes before it goes into effect,†Palmer said.
Palmer is right, if it passes in it’s current state, there are NO guarantees the new city council and mayor will ‘fix’ those problem areas. There is one way though the public can make sure they do, and that is by voting NO. This will force the city to re-visit the ordinance, and fix those problem areas before passing new zoning rules. Like I said in the past, it is a good piece of legislation for the most part, but there are some areas that need to be tweaked before implementing it.
You mean the imaginary problems – that people who haven’t actually read the document have made up put of thin air?
Yes, Shape Places needs some fixes. It may be discouraging to think about that if you’re one of the many people that have worked on it, but it should be fixed with the light of day shining on it. With the April election, there is a great opportunity to fix it. Sioux Falls is doing great, and a “no” vote on Shape Places in the election is not going to halt development in Sioux Falls.
Got a specific “fix” that’s needed? Not some vague generality about “transparency” – but a specific chapter, section, etc. that hides anything from the public?
5 days later – NOTHING but chirping crickets.