Post in Changes at Powderhorn Park

2007 Oct 25 21:24 UTC

John:

That would be the list.  A few questions and comments, though, that
might help clarify why some of us "Powderhorners" are upset and why I
gave the "heads up."

1) Were you or the neighborhood association informed of the plans in
advance and consulted?
2) Is the work at Webber-Camden simply a maintenance/upgrade of
existing courts or an expansion of existing courts PLUS addition of
another as it is here?
     (My "guestimate" is that as many as 9,000 sq ft of newly paved
green space are being added.)
3) Will the "footprint" of the courts (replete with full-perimeter
fencing) suddenly be within 25 yards of front porches rather than 175?
4) Is there parking available, other than on-street, available in
proximity of the courts at Webber-Camden?
     (Not here.)
5) Does the "master" plan for W-C include removal of other courts as
it [maybe] does [maybe doesn't/we haven't decided yet/who knows/
you'll know when it happens]
      here?
     (Part of the little rationale we've been given is that South
High "needs" 7 courts for their 6 (?) annual "home" matches.  2+(4
+1)-2=5, not 7.)

My selfishness (admitted - no apology forthcoming) aside, I am
disturbed by how the MPRB has morphed itself into an unrestrained
oligarchy by ignoring the Code of Ordinances in place that dictate
its conduct, with requirements for citizen notification, consultation
and approval.  Even more disturbing is the fact that the board is
working very hard to revise their Code of Ordinances in a way that
will eliminate public participation in every way, shape or form.

I'd rather not hear or read about other Minneapolis residents being
unexpectedly awakened by the rumble, grumble and roar of heavy
equipment tearing up a significant and valued stretch of open, green
space simply because the MPRB decided they felt a need to act quickly
(possibly illegally) to satisfy the desires of an unnamed source of
private funding, to the disregard and detriment of Minneapolis
residents.