Re “Civic Center, Midway Rising still high priority for mayor” (Jan. 16): Mayor Todd Gloria pointed to increased housing permits as evidence that the city’s current approach is working. The mayor touted the “Neighborhood Homes for All of Us” initiative. I was intrigued.
The city’s own fact sheet, however, offered little clarity and raised concerns for me as a homeowner in a potentially affected neighborhood. I contacted the city Planning Department. The city has confirmed that early engagement for this initiative is limited to focus group discussions and stakeholder interviews. By the time residents are invited to participate, the direction and scope will already be settled, turning public engagement into an exercise in reaction rather than participation.
The ADU Bonus incentive program followed a similar path, leaving behind lasting damage to neighborhoods while City Hall moved on to its next “initiative.” A cash-strapped city has no business launching new planning programs without clear priorities, guardrails and meaningful resident input.
— Julianna Johnston, North Park