Lacking Vision

John Briggs wrote about the zoning rewrite saga in yesterday's Free Press. He describes it as a pro- vs anti-development thang.

On the pro-growth side in the debate are the council's four Progressives -- Knodell, Ashe, Clarence Davis, Ward 3, and Cheryl McDonough, Ward 2 -- and two Republicans, Wright and Decelles. They have introduced amendments that would allow high density building in outlying neighborhoods; eliminate or abbreviate the upper story setbacks on downtown buildings that allow "view corridors" to the lake; allow more on-street parking in the neighborhoods; and they are generally sympathetic to the arguments of the business community for a development-friendly city.

In opposition, though careful to acknowledge the need for development, are the council's Democrats -- Ellis, Ed Adrian, Ward 1, Bill Keogh and Joan Shannon, Ward 5, and Andy Montroll, Ward 6.

A number of councilors believe independent Sharon Bushor, Ward 1 -- who couldn't be reached for comment -- is sympathetic to the Democratic position, and have indicated independent Barbara Perry, Ward 6 -- also unavailable -- is more sympathetic to the Progressives/Republican coalition.

Surely, it's not that cut and dry, as I wrote in my LTE to the Free Press.

Briggs' article continues (and Freyne comments) --

Several councilors faulted Progressive Mayor Bob Kiss for his silence on the rewrite, with one observing that Kiss told the council at its last meeting about the hurricane damage to Burlington's Nicaraguan sister city, Puerto Cabezas, but said nothing about the rewrite.

"A weather report," said Keogh. "Why he's not there (on the rewrite), I don't know. If (former Mayor Peter) Clavelle were in there, he'd be leading the charge. The council's well ahead of Kiss on this. I think he's still catching up on his job description. I don't think he's exercised much leadership on this whole thing."

"He needs to communicate with councilors at the meeting," Gutchell said. "And he doesn't come across forcefully enough in saying we as a council aren't doing our job."

"I think there's a role for the mayor in making his vision known," said Montroll, adding he didn't understand Kiss' vision "completely, at this point."