INC NEWS - Let's give it a chance. Let's see what can be improved & work to make it better...

[John Schelp]

I'd like to thank Melissa for her helpful input here.
She has more patience than I. :)

Good things are happening in Durham -- every day.

warmest regards,
John

> The Neighborhood Advocate needs to be present at the
> meeting required between the developer and the
> community. Those community residents present would
> be
> the ones whose voices are heard, just like it is
> now.
> Those with an NA or BOD would/should have a
> community
> awareness committee (or other appointed person) who
> would attend this meeting, but if they don't then
> the
> NA can only go on the concerns of those who bother
> to
> show up at the meeting. 
> 
> At the meeting the NA can introduce him/herself and
> make it clear that (s)he is here to help the
> neighborhood with any questions or concerns they
> have.
> (S)he might even suggest some potential
> problems/concerns that the neighborhood may want to
> think about in relation to the development plan
> before
> them. This was done by a planning commissioner at
> last
> week's meeting, when she warned neighbors that they
> should check the development plan's rights of way,
> or
> they may find that they lose a good portion of their
> front yard to a new road.
> 
> At this time, or say 1 -2 weeks later, the
> neighborhood organization rep or simply the group of
> neighbors present, can officially give the NA the
> ability to speak on their behalf. Or they can simply
> use the NA as a go-to person from who to get
> information and assistance, and speak for themselves
> at the upcoming PC and BOCC or CC meetings. Chances
> are that, even with an NA, neighbors will need to
> attend these meetings to show their sincere concerns
> over whatever issues they have.
> 
> Of course there may be several neighborhoods who are
> concerned about the project, in which case they will
> each need to give the NA official permission to
> speak
> for them.
> 
> Of course, the NA can still inform the PC, Planning
> Dept, BOCC/CC of all neighbor/citizen groups'
> concerns, without directly/officially 'speaking for
> them.' And if there is a disagreement of neighbors,
> the NA can present both sides of the coin. It's all
> about communication and transparency.
> 
> I don't think the NA needs to 'rank' with the PC or
> the Planning Department. They just need to be the
> voice and go-between for Durham citizens' concerns,
> however many neighborhoods/groups/etc. are
> concerned.
> This would mean that they would explain the process
> and the stance/reasoning of the PC and Planning
> Dept.
> to concerned citizens, and present those citizens'
> concerns at both PC and BOCC/CC meetings. At the end
> of the day, the process is what it is, and the PC,
> Planning Department, and elected officials still
> trump
> the NA.
> 
> Is there a direct conflict of interest if the NA is
> a
> lawyer being paid by the city but supposedly
> representing neighborhood interests as their primary
> job responsibility?
> 
> I don't think so. I mean, is there a direct conflict
> of interest if someone who works in the development
> board sits on the Planning Commission? I very rarely
> see any paid position that doesn't represent a
> potential conflict of interest. If the
> neighborhoods/citizens are unhappy with the manner
> in
> which the NA represents their interest, they can
> certainly inform elected officials as such and
> request/demand a new NA.
> 
> Just my 10 cents...
> 
> Melissa
> 
> Melissa Rooney
> Fairfield Rep