Transparency! she said.
Here is the text of the #SEG zoning amendment testimony to @SLCCouncil Tuesday night (8/12): The Salt Lake Tribune also commented on this here.
The Planning Commission turned this proposal down in a dramatic Unanimous vote and There is one simple reason why – we believe that the public deserves to see the plan for how their $900 million is spent. We believe in transparency. What This zoning amendment does is take the whole process out of the public sphere. This amendment freely allows every use that SEG may ever want to propose. It allows almost any height, low or high, to be built. It allows any setback. It allows multi-story parking garages everywhere. It allows a tasteless sign extravaganza that clearly, no one understands.
There is nothing that SEG wants that will need a public review because, When projects are allowed “as of right” like this, there is no process for public or stakeholder input. Unlike what you were told today, no development agreement ever goes to Planning Commission as long as it follows current zoning, which, thanks to this amendment, it will. Development agreements are often discussed only in closed meetings. Tonight may be the public’s last chance to review or comment, …except at the ballot box.
Don’t get me wrong – the Sports and entertainment district could be great — a wonderful investment in downtown, but only if institutions like the seventy-year old symphony receive as much care and attention as a brand new hockey team. Unfortunately, what we have been shown so far is not great – it is either insensitive or scary. Deliberately by-passing the planning commission is a mistake. I listened to your discussion today and it is obvious there is little understanding of what this complicated proposal implies. That’s ok – it is the job of the planning commission to make a more informed recommendation. And believe me, Madame Chair, we have both the capacity and the training to handle it.
Tragically, If you pass this amendment, you will be drawing a curtain over the planning of this project and over the expenditure of our money. I am absolutely sure that this is not what you intend for your constituents and for the good of the city.
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