Agenda Packets - 1995/09/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• Purpose of the Citizen Participation Process In communities across the country where conversion of a military site has occured, citizen participation has been a crucial factor in a smooth and successful conversion. Re-use planning at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, and Fort Devens in Massachusetts, included extensive community input and developed community consensus on re-use early on. These communities have been extremely successful in creating new uses which increased the number of local jobs, attracted public and private investment to make new projects work, and met the needs of the community. On the other hand, Pease Air Force Base and Georgia Air Force Base excluded the public from participating in decision-making about re-use, and both projects have stagnated due to bitter disputes and law suits. A citizen participation process is being undertaken for re-use of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant by the Arsenal Cleanup and Conversion Project, a group of local citizens and workers who are working to promote the successful cleanup and conversion of the site. This process consists of holding 12 to 20 community brainstorming meetings throughout the cities of Arden Hills, Mounds View,New Brighton and Shoreview. The meetings aim to include a broad cross-section of citizens, businesspeople and workers and are organized with the help of local sponsoring organizations. The focus of each meeting is a brainstorming process in which participants identify the strengths and needs of their community, and express their ideas, values and concerns regarding re-use of the Arsenal. The purpose of this citizen participation process is to inform decision makers about the concerns, hopes and ideas of citizens for future uses of the Army property. This will enable leaders and citizens to plan together for a future of the site that benefits everyone. The process engages the community in thinking positively and proactively about this parcel of land and the future of the community, and gives decision makers the information they need to plan wisely for conversion. To date, 8 meetings have been held, and 5 to 10 additional meetings are planned for July and August. Between 80 and 100 community members, including businesspeople, senior citizens, city officials, and residents from all four cities have participated. The North Suburban Area Chamber of Commerce, United Church of Christ,the Senior Congregate Dining Program in Shoreview,Neighbors of Valentine Lake, and Peace United Methodist Church and others have helped sponsor meetings. In addition, a professional trainer-facilitator and four volunteer facilitators have guided the meetings. To ensure that participation includes sufficient proportions of all demographic groups in the communities, some meeting have focused on specific groups, such as businesspeople, seniors, and low income residents. In addition, exit surveys are conducted at each meeting which track the age, income, race and place of residence of each participant. Based upon survey results so far, greater efforts will be made in the upcoming meetings to involve low and moderate income residents and youth.