Included on the opinion page was a piece from RAID's spokesperson, Mrs. Gillman. Let's see what she has to say shall we??
C-1 expansion: Here it comes again
Gwen Gillman
Just Thinking
On Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Mohave County Administration Building (700 W Beale St), the city Director of Planning & Zoning Gary Jeppson is holding a "public hearing" to bring to the public his new "improved" C-1 (Neighborhood Convenience) zoning which adds approximately 31 new permitted uses.
I wish that I could attend, but it looks like I'll have to catch the video on this one.
While some of these uses are practical and probably necessary, others push the envelope as far as what residents really would like to have next to them as their new neighbor, i.e., restaurant with drive-thru window (fast food, open late-type business), or passenger transportation/transit center (taxi or bus hub?).
I thought RAID was up in arms about tattoo parlors?? Now it is the scourge of bus hubs... okay. Where will the goalposts be moved to next??
The following are the new uses permitted that Mr. Jeppson wishes to add: art schools/art supplies; assisted living and nursing home; bakery; bank/S&L/credit union; bookstore (except adult bookstore); construction security trailers during construction; fitness center/health club; food stores/pharmacies; freestanding ATMs; golf course; group home for not more than 10 residents; hardware; houseware/furniture/household appliances; laundry/Laundromat/dry cleaners; locksmith; lodge/civic club/fraternal organization; mail order/catalog; musical instrument and music supply; office supply and stationery supply; parks/playgrounds; print and copy center; public colleges; recreational buildings; restaurant (no drive-thru windows); swimming pool/spa; tennis and swim clubs; veterinary clinic/small animal; video rental (no adult videos)
Where are the tattoo parlors?? I thought the city was going to force those on our fair neighborhoods. Anyway...
As a homeowner, ask yourself if you would like some of the above uses near your home.
As a homeowner, yes I would like some of the above uses near my home.
I also wonder what is meant by near?? You see what I consider 'near' my home already are things like banks, fitness centers/health clubs, food stores, hardware stores, ATM machines, parks and playgrounds, restaurants, and some kind of weird animal store. Many of those things were put in after I began living in my residence too. There are other 'neighborhood' conveniences where I live as well, and it just so happens to be convenient for me because of the convenience.
Some of them would obviously create more traffic in or near your residence.
I can't think how any one of those items on the list provide would create more traffic 'in' my residence.
Then, if the above additions aren't bad enough, Mr. Jeppson wants to add the following uses if the City Council approves them as "Uses Which May Be Permitted By Conditional Use Permit":
All other retail; amateur radio antennae; animal boarding (small animals, no more than six); auto rental; community centers; fuel station (no repair and service); library; mixed-use housing; museum; passenger transportation/transit center; performing arts center; post office (public & private); pet shop/grooming; public assembly facilities; public parking; restaurant with drive-thru window; restaurant with beer and wine service; schools with K-12 curriculum.
Oh the humanity. Where are the tattoo parlors??
Now that, folks, is a list.
Indeed it is.
This project has been on-going between Jeppson and the National Arizona Building Association for months. One Residents Against Irresponsible Development member was invited to attend when RAID heard about the meetings and objected to the scope of the zoning additions. But, this final list was more extensive than anything we thought homeowners were prepared to approve.
'We thought'?? Nice. Based on what?? Polling??
Please... while I respect their citizen right to speak on issues, RAID shouldn't be acting like nothing progresses or changes unless 'they think' it is allowable to do so... or they have a referendum petition signed with the required amount of signatures. They are a political action committee... not elected leaders.
So, if you are OK with these lists - then don't attend this meeting.
So, are you saying that if the majority of residents in Kingman don't show up at this meeting then we are free to assume that the majority of residents in Kingman are 'OK with these lists'??
Cool, I'll cast my vote of 'the list doesn't bother me all that much' when I'm in Havasu next Wednesday playing hockey.
But, if you are shocked with the additions that are being brought to a public meeting (and then to the Planning & Zoning Commission and then to City Council), please plan to attend this meeting and/or send a short letter to Mr. Jeppson and the members of the City Council (mail to 310 N. 4th St.) giving them your input.
And then what?? Be ready to sign a petition if things don't go a certain way??
These are your neighborhoods - please protect them by your attendance and your letters to Mr. Jeppson and your City Council.
I happen to know that there has already been spent many hours on this project by city staff and many other volunteers. Months and months worth.
I think it is time for the critics of this proposal to articulate exactly what items on the list that are so objectionable so that some conclusion can be reached (like tattoo parlors for instance). Mrs. Gillman, I simply ask that you work with those folks with your own list and in good faith reach a compromise. Even though you may strongly object to some items (or even all items) on the lists you provided, there were many other regular citizens working with the city that proposed what they felt were positive changes. I personally know many of those citizens and I bet they'd respect what you'd have to say, and you should reciprocate.
Keep in mind that convenience is a demand in today's society (I should know as I'm part of the 'slacker generation' and I've never had to walk uphill to school in the snow both directions). It has been some time since the zoning classifications have been altered. All anyone is doing here is looking how to make some changes that reflect how demand has changed over the course of time.
A compromised solution can be reached, and I know that you can be part of that solution.
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