It all happens on Monday evening. "It" is the future of our little corner of Oakwood and Monday, 12/14/09, is when the City Council members hear and vote on the appeal by the Routsong team to reverse the decision made by the Planning Commission. At that meeting in September, the commission members unanimously rejected the development plan. And, as one member stated, the objections were based on what is (and is not) a neighborhood business with the "emphasis on neighborhood."

As far as we know, nothing in the plan has changed:

The sidewalk is still moved closer to Oakwood Avenue with a resulting 'misalignment' all the way down the avenue.
The drive-thru window is still on the Irving Avenue side of the building.
Parking is still in the front of the building with no option to back out or turn around should the spaces be full. (This issue was the main reason for the commission's denial of the development.)
The back (east) side of the building--the one most visible to pedestrians walking down Irving Avenue--is still the least attractive.
Here's what we do know. The Planning Commission has listened and heard our concerns; the attendance at all the meetings over these many months has made a difference. Our being in the audience has shown the council and commission that we do care about our neighbors and the future of our neighborhood.

Our request is simply this: Would you please spend one hour on Monday, 12/14, to be part of what is the most important vote on this proposed development? The meeting starts at 7:30pm in the city building.

Should anyone need a ride, please let me know and, as always, please spread the word to your neighbors and friends. Call Barbara at 296-0905 or Martha at 294-3731 for a ride.