One of the barriers to public participation in our community is the sheer
number of artistic, educational and cultural events -- which often occur at
the same time as meetings of public bodies.
One possible solution is to have more non-traditional public hearings --
like the open houses on the Mountainview Road plans and the Linear Park.
To me, it's easier to stop by City Hall for 15 minutes on my way home from
school, get acquainted with a proposal and make comments, than to have to
come back downtown in the evening (especially when it's 5 below!). I hope
the city P&Z will consider offering some mid-day and early evening ways to
comment on the plan as it develops. I think the numbers of participants will
increase if there's an alternative forum to evening hearings.
Kenton