Last week I contacted every mayoral candidate via whatever means the public at large might do so: their published email addresses or, when that was not available, their contact forms in their mayoral candidate websites. I asked them to comment on any of the posts on this website and/or join the Walkable Eastwood email group to talk to Eastwood residents directly. Only Stephanie Miner responded, and she did so quickly, joining the group, introducing herself, and sending the following letter to the 100+ residents in that group. It is the letter she sent to members of the planning commission (bolding mine):
I am writing to respectfully request that the Planning Commission does not grant a waiver for the proposed Walgreens sign on James Street in Eastwood.
The sign represents more than just an eyesore. Granting the waiver request would represent disrespect to our service men and women, disregard for the vision that the residents of Eastwood have for their neighborhood, and disinterest in long-term urban design and planning.
I spent a lot of time in Eastwood growing up. My grandparents lived there for many years. Eastwood felt like its own village of sorts and many of the neighbors there want to restore that village feel by renewing places in Eastwood that have lost it and maintaining those places that have sustained it.
When we sacrifice our ideals with respect to urban form, planning and quality and allow developers free reign, over time we are sacrificing the historical integrity of our neighborhoods. Oftentimes, the terms “pro-development” and “anti-development” and “pro-business” and “anti-business” are thrown around, but what we need are smart and sustainable business development practices that focus on a long-term vision for the health of our neighborhoods. If we allow signs like this – which may seem like “small” things – then we set a precedent that says that we will let anything go.
Throughout my tenure on the Common Council, I have heard over and over again a cry from our constituents for enforcement of responsible planning guidelines. The decision before you represents an opportunity to move forward in executing a vision of our city put together by its residents. Please know that your decision will have a far-reaching impact in Eastwood and Syracuse as a whole. Accordingly, I ask that you deny this waiver.
Sincerely,
Stephanie A. Miner
Councilor-at-Large
Oh please, I am so sure she is the ONLY one who was responding to your letter. Of course she responded. She will respond to the toilet cleaner if it means she will get a vote. Lets see how fast she responds if she ever became mayor. I bet you will never get a letter or a yes then.