Residents Petition City To Keep Tiny Bit Of Forest
Neighbors wanting to save a tree-filled sliver of city ground as a natural area have collected 120 signatures in support of their cause.
Residents near the 2.8 acres of land along Kathleen Avenue and Fourth Street say the city shouldn’t sell one of its few remaining miniforests for development.
“The way we figure it, the city is in need of a lot more parkland,” said resident John Bushfield, who lives across the street.
City leaders say the land would fetch about $95,000 if sold for apartments and townhouses. That money could be used for street construction and other projects.
The City Council tonight will decide the fate of the triangle of ground. Also tonight:
The City Council will consider an annexation request for 69 acres along Prairie Avenue between Ramsey Road and U.S. Highway 95.
Developer J.P. Stravens wants to be able to build 124 single-family homes and 44 apartments there. He also seeks zoning for a commercial center adjacent to the development.
City planning commissioners in December recommended the project be denied.
“He wanted to have residences abutting our high-density ‘anything-goes’ commercial area,” commission Chairman John Bruning said.
“We wanted some kind of buffer.”
The Council will consider a proposal to deregulate taxicabs by allowing a third company to start business here.
Since 1962, anyone wishing to start a cab company had to first prove there was a need, according to city rules.
Drivers for Taxi By Hall, one of the city’s two taxi services, say they can barely make a living now because of competition with Sunset Taxi.
City Councilwoman Nancy Sue Wallace argued government did not belong in the middle of the taxi market.
“We don’t limit gas stations, restaurants, convenience stores or any other services offered to citizens,” she said.
“Why should taxis be different?”
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 710 Mullan Ave.
xxxx Meeting Council meets tonight at 7 p.m. in City Hall.