IMPORTANT - PLEASE SIGN - Petition and Planning Commission Meeting

I was so happy to see such a large turnout at the Planning Commission meeting last night on the proposed CVS/Chase project. I've been to several of these meetings over the past ten years, mostly regarding Laguna Vista and the NE plan. It was the typical routine. City Manager Webster gave his report, mostly rubber-stamping the project and recommending that it be approved. The guy from CVS was personable and well polished, and had obviously done his homework and knew every commissioner by name. It got a bit much as he made a point to profusely thank every questioner before giving his canned answer. There was a bit of awkward levity when the traffic engineer on crutches had to return to the podium several times, not quite masking the fact that his report made no sense as to how putting the project with 2 drive-thru windows would have little traffic impact. The solution of restricting left turns at High Street several blocks away also served as a good foil for Commissioner Greene to play down the traffic impacts. But the veil was finally lifted when the public was allowed to speak about the impacts of the projects. I was so proud of our eloquent townsfolk as they brought up issues of traffic, greenhouse gases, corporate control, food access, air pollution, architectural standards, and the overall quality of life in our town.

The commission was not able to vote on the three items on the agenda due to incomplete information. I urge all concerned citizens to stay involved and aware of this issue and help shape the future of our town. That's especially important when/if this reaches the City Council.
Paul

IMPORTANT - PLEASE SIGN - Petition and Planning Commission Meeting - Stop the CVS BLIGHT!