Who is on the "Stakeholders" List?

This article was posted prior to the Revised Plan Meeting at the Planning Commission... April 1, 2010. Is the Plan Push by the Sun Telegram Intentional or is the idea that the Planning Commission is Listening to any public comment just an April Fools Day Prank? Read additional comments below.

Grand Terrace starts remake of Barton Road business area
By Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Created: 04/01/2010 03:58:58 PM PDT

GRAND TERRACE - The city's main commercial corridor is getting a makeover.
Officials have started the process of updating planning guidelines along Barton Road. The goal is to create a more vibrant and successful area for residents and businesses.
The city received a $125,000 grant from Southern California Association of Governments, a metropolitan planning organization serving six counties including San Bernardino.
The organization hired consultant Hogle-Ireland, Inc. of Riverside, to work with the city to put together design concepts and recommendations for updating the specific plan for Barton Road.
A community meeting was held this week to gather residents' ideas for the types of businesses and amenities they would like to see.
The organization previously interviewed council members and other stakeholders to get input.
The No. 1 request was for sit-down restaurants, said Joyce Powers, community and economic development director.
Retail establishments like shoe and clothing stores also are in demand, she said.
"We would like to expand what we offer retail-wise for the citizens," Powers said.
The Planning Commission and City Council are expected to discuss the concepts and recommendations in June.
After that, the city will look for ways to pay for streetscape improvements such as parkway and median landscaping, new signs and banners along the corridor.
"It's a quality of life issue for the city," Powers said. "Naturally, if businesses chose to move here because the city is involved in making infrastructure improvements that will help them attract customers, then the citizens will feel more positive about patronizing the businesses."
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said she came away impressed after her discussion with the consultant.
"I would like to have a downtown atmosphere that is easily accessible to the public," Ferre said. "That's something we don't have right now."
stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com Read more:

http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_14802478#ixzz0juQMfjEl

Additional Comments:
What Maryetta Ferre saying. a "atmosphere that is easily accessible to the public,". Is she saying that the plans will improve the air quality of down town? Is she saying that the city is going to put in sidewalks to make travel up and down Mt, Vernon and Barton Road Pedestrian Friendly? Is she saying that people without cars should have access to down town? You know like the Seniors she, aided in stranding in a location without easy access to the existing shops, and restaurants? In the real world the developers would have to pay for a side walk according to plan. In Mayor Ferre's world she will use this to justify expanding the CRA Debt, and the "Stakeholders" will not have to pony up for improvements that other businesses and citizens have. Thus they receive an inducement and advantage over existing citizens and businesses.

Remember, when the City Council thinks stores, they think BIG BOX Monsters that will not be down sized to fit a small town like Grand Terrace. We don't need more retail of imported goods. We need increase in real income not just an increase of sales tax collected in GT. OR we need to make living in GT LESS Costly not more Costly by having increased competition, increased property prices and rents or leases, and increased government size to maintain plants in public spaces. The plan is not a natural sustainable plan that this community should support. No where in the plan is there a place to replace Grand Terrace Elementary School and that area is designated as being in the Redevelopment Area.

I have had enough of this Mayor's problematic communication, decisions, and manipulations. How about you? I have had it with her power plays and the Select Few who get "Interviewed" or are requested for input when others are shut out by procedures and process.