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Archive for March, 2010
Council Meeting Recap – Mar 16
Working with the public, we accomplished a lot at this week’s city council meeting. I really appreciated all of the residents that came out to share their opinions and contribute their ideas.
Here are a few of the decisions that were made:
The city will vacate a portion of public street in return for a downtown plaza as a part of the Nu Skin development. There was impressive public support for a project that will bring millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs to the downtown area. Senator Bramble also attended to express his support of the project. Many residents stood up to share their thoughts, with a few concerns regarding yet-to-be-determined details. The council decision affects the street, but Nu Skin will still come before the council at a later date to discuss their building design plans. They have hired a renowned architecture firm famous for designing the New York City Fifth Avenue Apple building to create these plans.
The council will allow changes to the Clydesdale Bend Subdivision development agreement. The developer was asking for modifications that allowed him to decrease the minimum size of some homes, use vinyl siding, and let residents install their own landscaping. I support quality development projects and agreed that many of the developer’s requests were reasonable. However, after seeing how many vinyl-sided homes throughout the city have deteriorated in just a few years, I voted against this motion.
The city approves appropriations from the Energy Fund. Provo has received federal funds for the purpose of conservation and related projects. I’ve recently spoken with many residents that are interested in developing the city’s trail system and making it a safer place for families to ride their bikes. I proposed that we increase the bike / trail fund, and the council agreed to appropriate $150,000 for that purpose. Additional funds were appropriated for LED lighting, energy efficiency grants, and city center improvements.
As always, you can watch the entire city council meeting online at any time through Provo Chanel 17. You can also view meeting agendas and minutes through the Provo City website.
Council Meeting Preview – Mar 16
There are many opportunities to let your voice be heard at this week’s municipal council meeting. In fact, there are five public hearings in addition to the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Here are a few of the questions we’ll be discussing:
- Should the city update the general plan? After voting to consider updates to the plan, the council has come up with a list of potential additions. I’m advocating for the development of parks in the Central neighborhoods and planning that promotes bicycle safety and accessibility throughout the city. I’m also suggesting that we make it easier for residents of the University Neighborhood to have a say (according to the current plan, their neighborhood program is limited because the area has fewer long-term residents).
- Should the council allow changes to the Clydsdale Bend Subdivision development agreement? The developer previously went before the council asking for permission to make changes such as using higher-quality vinyl siding and allowing new residents to install their own landscaping within a year of moving in. Several neighborhood residents spoke about their concerns during that meeting and the developer agreed to meet with them to discuss the issue. The developer has since spoken with the neighbors and the council will be considering a revised proposal.
- Should the city vacate a portion of a public street in return for green space as a part of the Nu Skin development? In return for the opportunity to purchase a portion of the street, Nu Skin will create a privately-owned public space where people can get together downtown. They will also build an atrium that connects their current building with a newly constructed building. (Note: This discussion was previously scheduled for March 23rd. If you were hoping to share your thoughts on the Nu Skin project, make sure you come to this meeting as there will not be one next week).
- Should the city appropriate money from the Energy Fund for energy conservation projects? Provo was given federal funds for energy conservation projects – the council will vote on two issues regarding the use of those funds at the meeting.
If you want to share your ideas or hear what your neighbors have to say about these issues, please show up at this week’s council meeting, Tuesday March 16th at 7:00 p.m.
As always, you can download the official council agenda from the Provo City website.
Community Seed Exchange
If you’re planting a garden this spring, head on over to the first-ever seed exchange in downtown Provo.
Bring seeds to trade and come home with a variety of unique seeds from gardeners from around the valley. In addition to the seeds participants bring, many have been donated by the Utah County Extension program and by local stores. It’s an easy and free way to get your garden started.
When: Saturday, March 13, 3-6 p.m.
Where: 100 East Center Street, Provo, Rooms L700-L800-L900
Get all the details by reading the Daily Herald or Utah People’s Post articles.
Get Out Your Running Shoes
Just when we thought spring was around the corner, our yards were covered with two days of fresh snow. But, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the outdoors.
Tomorrow, our local American Red Cross is holding a 5k run and 1k walk. Participants take home a t-shirt and the knowledge that they’ve helped raised money for Red Cross disaster response.
When: March 6, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Independence High School
Cost: $25/adults, $20 students with valid ID
If you haven’t registered, show up at 9:00 a.m. to sign up on the spot. For more information, check out the registration site or the Utah People’s Post article.