HomeMy WebLinkAboutMULBERRY LEMAY CROSSINGS, LOT ONE, FILING ONE - FINAL PUD - 36-96D - MEDIA - (24)Up OPINION, The Coloradoan, Monday, June 26, 2000
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opinion
Coloradoan editorial board: (; — C2 �a - Q 0
Dorothy M. Bland: president and publisher
David Greiling: executive editor
Kathleen Duff: editorial page editor, editorial board chair
Robert Romine: technology director
Community members: John Kefalas, Fort Collins resident; MaryAnne
Martell, Larimer County resident and director of Crossroads Safehouse
WalmlYlartis
under way;
issues linger
■ Proponents The ink is dry now on
and opponents a deal that will bring a
Wal-Mart Supercenter
of project should to the intersection of
watch as this Mulberry and Lemay
project unfolds Avenue, but some of the
issues surrounding the
controversial project will resurface unless
addressed in a more reasonable manner.
The biggest issue — whether the supercenter
will be viable — will be determined by the
market. That's fair. This is a project that has
major ups and downs. The original proposal
was made under the city's old Land
Development Guidance System, rather than
City Plan, which was a point of contention.
Both Fort Collins' Planning and Zoning Board
and City Council rejected the proposal but the
project was sent to a referendum, where voters
approved the project and sent the issue back to
both boards, which eventually OK'd the super -
center.
Another issue is that of the level of traffic the
project is expected to generate. Opponent,
roundly criticized the city and the project
developer for the figures they used to deter.
mine projected vehicle traffic and need foi
pedestrain access. Residents now should track
the traffic figures, as well as the roundabout
that is being built at the busy intersection, tc
ensure the government process is accurate and
serves the public well.
Politics are a big part of this project. Those
who oppose this project based on its sheer size
or location or just on growth principles have
the option of pursuing their political interests
in a more proactive manner by trying to shape
policy rather than reacting to policy. And crit-
ics of Wal-Mart as a corporation could pursue
policy that requires a company's record on
issues such as the use of foreign labor to be
considered as part of a project's planning
process.
One approach that is not acceptable is to
allow future projects to be determined by a
public vote. Although the Coloradoan support-
ed the Wal-Mart referendum, this is not the
avenue to take on complicated land -use issues.
Still, the option exists for a reason. City
Council members must consider these stakes
when appointing P&Z Board members who
reflect specific political stances rather than
broad -based participation.
Regardless of whether they approved of this
project, the Mulberry-Lemay Crossing project
is one that residents should watch as it
unfolds..