[Mpls] West Bro Repaving District subject of community meeting this Thurs.

[PennBroKeith at cs.com]

I wish all to be aware of an important public forum regarding the West 
Broadway Repaving District that I heard announced on KMOJ Radio by our State 
Legislator, attorney Keith Ellison.

THIS Thursday 6: PM, 2/5/04, at the new Urban League Center, Plymouth and 
Penn. He will host his Environmental Justice Forum, with many guests who are 
involved in the West Broadway effort. Maps, charts, engineers, and our local 
political leaders will be present.

The idea, from what I heard on the air, is to offer residents information 
about this matter. Then to involve them in decisions about the outcome of this 
project. 

Many people, including myself, have been attending meetings, and 
presentations for up to 4 or 5 years already, on this matter. We have reviewed Plans  "A 
through J(?)" for roadway design, and even attended lectures on Mpls. Zoning 
Code preceding the complete rezoning of West Broadway Avenue by the City. The 
last WBBA meeting I attended, I was told by both City and County Road engineers 
that paving contracts for this project would be put out for bid very shortly 
(90 days?).

I am still fully excited by any interest, or involvement by my peers, the 
general public, in this matter. And welcome all new energy.

I hope that topics will include: 1/  Why is Plymouth/Penn able to stage a 
huge, and fully subsidized, commercial/residential development project ideally 
suited for West Broadway? 2/  What warrants Bus Rapid Transit development being 
partially, but significantly, diverted away from West Broadway to "Little" 
Lowry Avenue? Lowry being an Avenue planned to have a reduction in traffic lanes 
from 4 down to 2.  3/  Why has Lowry Avenue been designated the County Works 
Project for our area, instead of West Broadway; the much more significant, 
contentious, and needy Roadway? 4/  What parity will be guaranteed the residents 
of the Northside to access Bus Rapid Transit to jobs and ALL other 
opportunities that are available through a reverse commute out to Suburban hinterlands? 
(hint: The proposed Northstar Rail will focus on  white suburban commuters 
coming to DT in the morning, and leaving in the evening.)

I hope all interested parties are able to attend this meeting.

Keith Reitman   NearNorth