(77th in a series of posts on 2 W. Market St.)
Peter Crownfield is officially retired but spends most of his time working with students in his role as internship coordinator for the Alliance for Sustainable Communities–Lehigh Valley.
Gadfly:
When Council members refer to CAVE people, they don’t seem to have noticed that these people do not oppose every issue—only when the city or council proposes to do something that (1) violates its own ordinances, including the historic guidelines; (2) ignores the immense citizen investment in a reasonably sound comprehensive plan; (3) has no clue about the SouthSide—that neighborhood quality & community vibrancy is measured in people’s daily lives, not in ugly new buildings or more gentrification; (4) gives tax dollars to developers to boost their profits even if they ignore social & environmental responsibility in their projects; or (5) ignores the people’s arguments because they would require putting a damper on certain types of development.
Peter
Just saw this statement by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez that seems relevant to these criticisms by some members of the city council.
‘When we challenge narratives… it’s not to erode institutions, but to operate with the history that institutions have, at points, participated in massive injustices fueled by systemic bias.
Speaking up on it can positively change our future.’
Both your post and your comments are so on target, Peter. Thank you for this clarity. I hope city councilfolk and administrators are reading…