SW Journal: Bryn Mawr meadows: a better solution
By Vida Y. Ditter, Bryn Mawr
The article, "Bryn Mawr Park Concept Creates Political Storm," (Aug. 23-Sept. 5) highlighted how a single individual pursuing a private agenda and ignoring due process can anger those who have spent years working as a community -- and with other communities -- to develop physically and economically sustainable solutions that benefit everyone.
Due process would suggest that Parks Commissioner Bob Fine's concept to expand Bryn Mawr Meadows into the Bryn Mawr/Parade Stadium Athletic Complex should first be presented to the neighborhood(s) most affected.
Courtesy would further suggest that the plan be presented to the Commissioner in whose district the land is located. Commissioner Fine, according to the article, argues he is above such conventions: "Why do I need to talk to her (referring to 4th District Commissioner Vivian Mason)? We work differently than the City Council. One person doesn't own the
whole district."
He is right. ONE person does NOT own the whole district. The residents of Bryn Mawr reviewed -- and decisively rejected -- a similar Park Board suggestion in 2000. After multiple public hearings, public meetings and design charettes, folks from Harrison, Bryn Mawr, Near North, other neighborhoods and the Minneapolis City Council, chose to support the Basset Creek Valley Master Plan's land-use proposal....