Citizen attendance needed at hearing Wednesday night

The Board of Public Works will hold a public hearing Wednesday night, April 21, at 6:30 pm, in room 108 of the City-County Building.  

The Hillcrest-Upland Greenway plans are item #9 on an agenda containing 56 items.  You can view the whole agenda here.

Lisa Coleman said: "I don't have a written proposal for them - I will provide a short verbal description of the project, show a display of the plan, and take questions."  Greenway resident Kathleen McElroy was surprised, given all the controversy, that there was to be no written plan for the Board to review. 

Citizens can speak about their concerns, with a time limit of three minutes.  You should register to speak before 6:30 pm.

It's important for affected residents to attend, for two reasons. 

• To show there is continued interest, and that projects shouldn't just be rubber stamped. 
• To make sure that the plan for the Hillcrest-Upland Greenway hasn't changed since residents heard revised plans at the last neighborhood meeting.

The Board has another meeting public hearing at 5:30 pm the same day (same room) about water permits.  The Greenway plan can't proceed without permits.  Chris Schnmidt said: "This item is a standing item on each agenda, and is for Rob Phillips to report to BPW about the permits that are required for the projects on that agenda.  It is a briefing item, basically."

Also of interest to citizens concerned about "green infrastructure" is item #29 (18122): “Waterways 2010.” This project involves various small storm and sanitary sewer projects citywide to conduct necessary repairs or alleviate drainage problems.  I am wondering--has City Engineering studied whether rain gardens could solve some of these problems in a more cost-effective way?