Dear Kate, Kacy, Jarrett, Cindy, Talisha, Peter, and Terry,
We the undersigned love Takoma Park, as we know you do, and want the best for it. We are dismayed that the development process for the Takoma Junction has become so divisive. Therefore, we request that the Council take appropriate steps to meaningfully broaden community support before voting on a resolution on the site design. “Broad community support” is a collection of expressions by affected individuals and groups (including businesses) in support of the project, and there may be broad community support even if some individuals or groups object to the project.
Disagreements about local projects are inevitable, have happened before in Takoma Park, and will undoubtedly occur in the future. We also recognize that the Council-led process, including public participation, has already consumed disproportionate time and resources. The incentives to move forward expeditiously are strong, especially given that the Council has other priorities. However, the current degree of conflict around this project is incompatible with deeply held community values of inclusion, respectful engagement and trust. We recognize that community members themselves have an important role to play in maintaining these values, even as they seek to reconcile their respective interests.
Thank you all for your service and consideration of the above request.
Signed,
Alan Strasser, Garland Ave
Karen Elrich, Roanoke Ave
Karin Anderson, Woodland Ave
Keith Kozloff, Sycamore Ave
Lea Chartok, Sligo Mill Rd
Nina Garfield, Woodland Ave
Sat Jiwan Ikle-Khalsa, Conway Ave
Updates
May 13, 2018
Seeing the weight of this response gives me some hope despite the long road we still have ahead of us. We are finally being seen by those who need to listen.
24 Comments
The Development Agreement allows you an out without major repercussions. Please take advantage of that to pause, engage the now hyper-energized community, and seek greater consensus. It will produce a better result and keep the good will in our neighborhoods.
Takoma needs to remain more than a zip code, set of restaurants, retails stores, and city government. We must deepen our sense of community. Please don’t unnecessarily divide us. There is more to life than quickening it’s pace. I urge the Council to slow down and do the hardest work of moving forward in a way that unites us. It IS possible. Let’s not mimic the rest of the country, seeing only winners and losers.
We need to ensure we have ALL Takoma Park residents, regardless of their income or whether or not they own property, invited and encouraged to participate in this discussion. We need a place and process that brings people together and recommits to a shared vision. Public land for public good.
These changes are long-term, so they need to be carefully thought out and should take the needs of the residents who frequent the area into consideration. Most of us shop at the Co-op to some degree or another. Making it impossible to deliver goods there without making the already congested traffic on that corner worse is something that must be considered and resolved.
We certainly are lucky to be able to spend time debating the addition of ammenities to our community. Some feel a necessary part of their community is at risk... trust and friendship. Not just their primary food source. AND many feel this debate has gone on too long. What should the next step be? Press for one decision or another promptly, and leave many unhappy? I think it’s worth crossing the finish line on this project if we can bring more people into the winner’s circle. SJ - Conway Ave
Develop it bro.
The city lot should be sold to the Co-op for a fair price, so that the Co-op can plan a sustainable project, subject to city review. This would end this unnecessary diversion of city resources from more important matters, such as securing emergency services.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
Dear Kate, Kacy, Jarrett, Cindy, Talisha, Peter, and Terry,
We the undersigned love Takoma Park, as we know you do, and want the best for it. We are dismayed that the development process for the Takoma Junction has become so divisive. Therefore, we request that the Council take appropriate steps to meaningfully broaden community support before voting on a resolution on the site design. “Broad community support” is a collection of expressions by affected individuals and groups (including businesses) in support of the project, and there may be broad community support even if some individuals or groups object to the project.
Disagreements about local projects are inevitable, have happened before in Takoma Park, and will undoubtedly occur in the future. We also recognize that the Council-led process, including public participation, has already consumed disproportionate time and resources. The incentives to move forward expeditiously are strong, especially given that the Council has other priorities. However, the current degree of conflict around this project is incompatible with deeply held community values of inclusion, respectful engagement and trust. We recognize that community members themselves have an important role to play in maintaining these values, even as they seek to reconcile their respective interests.
Thank you all for your service and consideration of the above request.
Signed,
Alan Strasser, Garland Ave
Karen Elrich, Roanoke Ave
Karin Anderson, Woodland Ave
Keith Kozloff, Sycamore Ave
Lea Chartok, Sligo Mill Rd
Nina Garfield, Woodland Ave
Sat Jiwan Ikle-Khalsa, Conway Ave
Updates
May 13, 2018
Seeing the weight of this response gives me some hope despite the long road we still have ahead of us. We are finally being seen by those who need to listen.
24 Comments
The developers most certainly want the community behind their project of they risk failure from non-support. I support development and am confused by why the developers cannot find a solution for the Co-op - a frequented and needed viable business that will bring traffic to other commercial tenants, and probably even make the residential spaces that much more attractive. Find a solution.
The Development Agreement allows you an out without major repercussions. Please take advantage of that to pause, engage the now hyper-energized community, and seek greater consensus. It will produce a better result and keep the good will in our neighborhoods.
Takoma needs to remain more than a zip code, set of restaurants, retails stores, and city government. We must deepen our sense of community. Please don’t unnecessarily divide us. There is more to life than quickening it’s pace. I urge the Council to slow down and do the hardest work of moving forward in a way that unites us. It IS possible. Let’s not mimic the rest of the country, seeing only winners and losers.
We need to ensure we have ALL Takoma Park residents, regardless of their income or whether or not they own property, invited and encouraged to participate in this discussion. We need a place and process that brings people together and recommits to a shared vision. Public land for public good.
These changes are long-term, so they need to be carefully thought out and should take the needs of the residents who frequent the area into consideration. Most of us shop at the Co-op to some degree or another. Making it impossible to deliver goods there without making the already congested traffic on that corner worse is something that must be considered and resolved.
We certainly are lucky to be able to spend time debating the addition of ammenities to our community. Some feel a necessary part of their community is at risk... trust and friendship. Not just their primary food source. AND many feel this debate has gone on too long. What should the next step be? Press for one decision or another promptly, and leave many unhappy? I think it’s worth crossing the finish line on this project if we can bring more people into the winner’s circle. SJ - Conway Ave
Develop it bro.
The city lot should be sold to the Co-op for a fair price, so that the Co-op can plan a sustainable project, subject to city review. This would end this unnecessary diversion of city resources from more important matters, such as securing emergency services.
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach 100 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via .
Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
By signing, you accept iPetitions Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
The developers most certainly want the community behind their project of they risk failure from non-support. I support development and am confused by why the developers cannot find a solution for the Co-op - a frequented and needed viable business that will bring traffic to other commercial tenants, and probably even make the residential spaces that much more attractive. Find a solution.