Comments on: Unsolicited thoughts on an indefinite future

By: ron mckeever

ron mckeever — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:24:00 +0000

There is still the lack of transpancy from city hall. Redevelopment consultant Jesse Harder has yet to file Form 700 and is also employed by HDR Engineering and HDR has million dollar contracts with the city. What is the city paying Harder for consulting fee’s for his service? This appears to be business as usual and the tax-payer is on the hook.

By: patrick tang

patrick tang — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:28:51 +0000

I’m with Jeff.
In the recent past our city officials failed to move the new urban agenda forward, squandering time and treasure on all manner of pet projects. Sadly, bond money specifically allocated to Waterfront related projects was pissed away by the previous city manager while the city council turned a blind eye. Just think, with better leadership, where we might be now.

But all is not lost … yet. Residents have caused the removal of the divisive and conflicted city manager and several of his staunch defenders on the council.

I am optimistic, despite the economic issues and the spectre of RDAs going away, that more can be accomplished with the new leadership than before, when times were rosier but we lacked the policital leadership to get the job done.

With the Waterfront Initiative we have a great plan. We have elected two smart new council members dedicated to making progress, and several new council members who are competent and capable will be on board by this summer. Mr. Deltorchio is doing an amazing job as city manager. And we still have a property owner /developer who despite all the setbacks still wants to implement the initiative and wants to move forward.

Let’s get it moving.

By: Jeffrey Wisniewski

Jeffrey Wisniewski — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:14:52 +0000

@anonymous -- Good point. Density does not have to mean high-rise condominiums. Closer homes, walking distance to transit and necessities and public parks, smaller lots and driveways (or no driveways at all). That is the density I encourage.

By: Mike Bowermaster

Mike Bowermaster — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:32:58 +0000

Very good post Jeff. There's a lot of meat here and not too much ranting. I agree with the positive line regarding not all suburbs turning into slums, for "those that are affluent and relatively close to central cities—especially those along rail lines—are likely to remain in high demand". I recommend the documentary End of Suburbia (assuming one is willing to entertain the controversial topic of peak oil) relevant to the challenges and potential our town of Hercules faces.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Interesting thoughts, however I wonder about all of us “being on the same page.” Our city officials have demonstrated time and again an alarmingly manipulative style of passing things through. I would prefer to be proud of the process, and could therefore feel more comfortable living with the outcome, even if I did not agree with it. Also, I think there is lots of room between density and suburban “comfort” as you put it to design a community where the people come first.