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.
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I found one thing very interesting as a construction laborer while watching the Clydsdale Bend Subdivision development agreement. The contractor stated that over the past year the only thing that has gone down in cost for him was the labor.
As a drywall finisher who resides in Provo I can attest that materials have also gone done over the past year. What bothers me is that the labor costs have gone down and have done so due to the competition US Citizens face with all the Illegal immigrants from South of the Border.
Besides the bad economy the other major reason the cost of labor has fallen is because legal US Citizens in the construction field are being underbid by those Subs who take advantage of illegal immigrants.
I can’t bid against illegal immigrants. For the price they hang and finish sheet rock I have to hang the jobs for free. For a 1500 sqft home as was discussed I’d loose approximately $900 from a job. (materials and labor would total approximately $3600 for 4500 sqft of sheetrock.)
All the while I know of many construction workers who have either been on unemployment benefits or are still on food stamps.
I would like the city council to pass a resolution that would prohibit these developers and contractors from using any illegal laborers. Require them to use E-Verify for one and have weekly inspections of the building sites where valid US identification could be checked.
The INS doesn’t have the man power but I feel the city owes its citizens this kind of respect. Keep the money in our local economy rather than being transfered out of country. Give the work to those who pay taxes and are not being paid cash.
Of coarse the Muddy Boys in Orem who claim to be Utah’s largest drywall company, has a work force that is made up of nearly all illegal immigrants. Their website claims they have 300 employees. From what I hear they don’t have more than 20 officially. The rest are subs belonging to a company made up of thousands of “part owners”. Since its legal to own a business in the States without being a legal citizen, Muddy Boys are somehow being shielded from any wrong doing.
Interior Finishing Systems of American Fork is also largely made up of Illegal Immigrants. I know in the past they have paid a third party construction company (who takes 6%) to cash the checks so their laborers could be paid in cash. That third party makes the transactions in a Salt Lake Valley restaurant. All the while they under bid and their employees don’t pay income taxes.
Anyways, I’d like to see each home built by a contractor who is using only legal US Citizens. I’m tired of hearing about people loosing their homes or living on food stamps while their work is being given to Illegal Immigrants. Wasn’t sending manufacturing jobs through NAFTA enough. They have to come and take that which isn’t theirs.
Sure this country is a country of immigrants. But is it right to enter another persons home and take it from them. Its the same principle. They are breaking the law. Taking work that isn’t theirs to take. Taking the future from Citizens who’s parents and grandparents and great grandparents have paid taxes, fought wars, and built the infrastructure they take freely.
Thanks.
Posted by J. | 03/18/2010, 7:07 am