06/13/2021

DOZA Amendment for Ground Floor Active Use has been Withdrawn

At the City Council hearing Thursday, Commissioner Dan Ryan withdrew DOZA amendment #7 that would require 25% ground floor active use along N Interstate in commercial mixed-use zoning in Arbor Lodge. The written testimony in favor of Amendment #7 did not result in a change to the code.  Mark Wyman, ALNA Land Use volunteer, testified verbally, delivering a well-adjusted message only minutes after this news.  Video links are below.

While we are disappointed, we are encouraged to have been heard by our commissioner, had strong support from City staff, made it this far in the process, and most importantly... heard a diversity of input from all of you!  It is your words, participation, motivation, and care for our future community that got us this far and sets a new stage for moving forward - to balance the desperate need for more housing with safe walk-able neighborhoods supporting less car dependency.  Commissioner Dan Ryan is attending our monthly Neighborhood Association public meeting on this Thursday, June 17. We look forward to continuing the conversation.  See here for meeting details:  http://www.arborlodgeneighborhood.com/

So what happened?  Organizations in opposition to Amendment #7 apparently met ahead of time with Commissioner Ryan.  We know this because the hearing contains testimony from affiliates with prepared statements thanking Commissioner Ryan for productive meetings and withdrawing the amendment.  We are still learning how these processes work, and though a tough lesson to learn, we now know better for the future.  Like the organizations opposing Amendment #7, we share a strong support for affordable housing. We look forward to moving forward with that as a clear and necessary goal along with walk-ability.

May 12 City Council Hearing on DOZA Recommended Draft Video

ALNA Land Use Committee volunteer testimony:  https://youtu.be/U9Fs8KjJcdc?t=5357This along with your written testimony is what led to the proposed amendment.

June 10 City Council Hearing on the DOZA Amendments Video

Introduction of amendment #7 and Commissioner Ryan's withdraw:  https://youtu.be/ItWcKeEcpYw?t=1006ALNA Land Use Committee volunteer testimony:  https://youtu.be/ItWcKeEcpYw?t=1617

E-mail the ALNA Land Use Committee at landuse@arborlodgeneighborhood.com