I am very concerned that newly formed committees/boards/councils etc. (arts, access, more) will consider part of their mandate to come up with countless expensive projects to propose to the council, who should bravely but firmly deflect like mad and say NO to all of them. We do NOT need a performing arts center, etc.–like many things, that was another Aronsohn plan to get his picture in the paper. It didn’t happen in time for that, so let’s scrap it. Even if partial grants can be applied for, such things always involve big bucks from property taxes. We have to stop working so hard to attract more people to visit and move here, because that just creates more problems. We cannot absorb more traffic, for one thing.
I agree. In the past shade tree and project pride were committees that performed a real service. HSA work with the schools and offer support.
Now we invent committees that invite input and look for solutions to self-interests and perceived problems.
We know that the CBD wants development of parking and high density housing (and turfing of Schindler, from the softball days). A 6 person committee with 3 business owners will undoubtedly find a list of demands from business owners. Now the village will be expected to come up with solutions for their business problems. I would love it if the committee questioned the sidewalk encroachment of some restaurants and requested that the brick wall at GTM be removed. And no signs in planters in the CBD. Those planters are maintained by the Project Pride Committee – a group of selfless volunteers working to make the town look better for all of us.
How about a Green Village committee. 6 residents who want to maintain the character of the village while evolving over time. Invite Artists, Architects, parents, commuters, over 55 and others to join. Let’s see what they propose.
When all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail.
“We do NOT need a performing arts center, etc” Watch the Library Board on this one.They have a performing arts center in their sites.
The library has really redefined theyr mission. They have staff members creating clubs to run in the community room. Staff members are encouraged to start clubs and then find residents to join.
A performing arts center should be a private enterprise. The village has no business getting involved.
They are pretending to have meetings about the needs of residents over 55. The #1 thing they want is lower taxes.
9:49am
You just made me want to apply for the CBD committee. I do think the Council is genuinely trying to reconfigure their vision but your point about “residents who want to maintain the character of the village while evolving over time. Invite Artists, Architects, parents, commuters, over 55 and others to join. Let’s see what they propose” is a really good one.