Background:  Creating stronger neighborhoods for Provo is an admirable goal and will pay dividends for our future and our children's future. It creates stronger schools for children, schools that Provo taxpayers have invested millions of dollars to build and locate within our Neighborhoods. It lowers crime rates and creates a more vibrant local business climate. It also adds to the connections between neighbors that improve our quality of life and the character of our community. A central theme of the Vision 2030 Project was the character of our Neighborhoods. Listed as a goal was making them stronger places, with charm and character. The Vision 2030 project lists as its core values: inviting neighborhoods, quiet walkable neighborhoods, respect and consideration for all, strong sense of security and well being, legacy to future generations, a sense of place in Provo, caring and supporting neighbors, and fostering a strong sense of ownership and "place" in each neighborhood. In addition, specific objectives were added to encourage owner occupancy, long-term residency, revitalization, beautify, improve curb appeal, and neighborhood appearance.

The Problem:  Recently the Municipal Council passed an ordinance that appears to be a step backward in this vision and progress. A single landlord came forward with a proposal which would allow him to pave over much more of his backyard to accommodate more parking that was adopted by a 4-2 vote and now has city-wide implications.  http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/provo/article_71b0072a-0860-501f-945a-087548045e0e.html

Our Petition:  We, the undersigned, urge our council to support the goals set forth in the Vision 2030 plan, to strengthen neighborhoods, protect the investment of Provo taxpayers in neighborhood schools and adopt a more balanced and careful approach while giving careful consideration to their role as policymakers.

We, the undersigned, urge you to reconsider the recent vote, separate the issues in the ordinance and study the legislation in light of long-stated city policies as well as the objectives of the Vision 2030 plan.

We urge you to

• Carefully consider the ratios of green space to paving and the resulting consequences. 
• Consider whether this legislation is supportive of quality neighborhood creation.
• Consider the virtues of having a  single individual propose legislation that can negatively affect the whole city and derail progress.  
• Remember that legislation should not just benefit the landlords of the city at the expense of those who live here, invest in and work to create community.