Planning Process

The downtown planning process has not been explained to the public, which is the reason I recommended the city hold a 2024 comprehensive plan update orientation at the community center, prior to looking at alternatives for downtown redevelopment in public participation educational events where citizens of Blaine can contribute their ideas. Expediting planning amendments by resolution to build momentum absent public participation is contrary to the law.

The City Manager, Community Development director, and Blaine City Council have been very active in moving the developers' wishes forward without public input for eight months. One technique they use to confuse the public is to get bogged down in technical language. The actions they have taken related to downtown planning are designed to expedite the amendments by resolution before the public understands, culminating in their final "action" of adopting an ordinance.

I have no idea how fast things will move, as the city's approach to this has been so contrary to what they should be doing under Growth Management. We should not respond to the irrelevant flak they send our way, as it is only meant to distract us from the corruption they are in up to their necks. And no matter how they attempt to justify their actions, the roots of this process are rotten. 

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