This could literally be the worst years for a Mobility Fee Moratorium.

[JeffreyS]

Alright Folks lets remember the Committee meetings are all combined into one today at 4pm in the council's chamber be there.

[Cheshire Cat]

For those of you who may have missed Mark Woods piece.

This week the city will decide whether to continue a moratorium on a Mobility Plan fees â€" a fancy term for fees paid by developers and used to fund infrastructure projects.

The argument for continuing to waive these fees basically has been: jobs, jobs, jobs.

The counter-argument basically has been: There is little evidence, here or elsewhere, that waiving impact fees leads to more development and jobs.

But beyond this, there is the long-term, big-picture question of how we want to grow. And who will pay for some much-needed infrastructure. The developers? The taxpayers?

The answer often has been: neither.

The Mobility Plan could change that. Last year the moratorium led to $4.8 million in impact fees being waived. More than a third of those breaks went to 7-Eleven, the world’s largest operator of convenience stores. So while you’re thanking heaven for 7-Eleven, the Dallas-based company is thanking you for a sweet deal.

On Saturday, thousands of people filled the streets as the city held its annual celebration of foot traffic, healthy living and community. The Gate River Run.

By Monday, our streets will go back to being some of the most dangerous in America for pedestrians.

It doesn’t have to be like this. And this isn’t just about walking or biking.

To sum up why it’s time for the moratorium to end, I can’t top something said by Doug Skiles, president of Envision Design and Engineering: “Quality never happens by accident. Quality of living is no exception.”

Skiles’ company does civil engineering for land development projects. He wants growth. He just wants it to be the kind that makes a city better.

For full story:
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/401820/mark-woods/2013-03-09/mark-woods-are-we-so-desperate-growth-any-kind-growth-well

[JeffreyS]

A good job by Mark Woods.

[thelakelander]

Is there anyone who isn't a councilmember, developer, works for a developer or is a developer's attorney who is in favor of an additional moratorium?

[JeffreyS]

Having your hand out seems to be the litmus test as to if you are for the fee.

[Cheshire Cat]

I hope someone can blog the meeting or at least give us some updates during.  I cannot be there yet would love to know what is going on. 

[fsujax]

Wish I could go, but have to do that work thing.

[thelakelander]

I believe we're going to live blog the meeting. I'll be heading downtown in 30 minutes.

[Cheshire Cat]

Thanks Ennis and good luck guys.  I will be watching the blog.  Don't let Daniel Davis talk too much "noise"!  lol

[fsujax]

so is it true, there will be no public comment allowed? an email i just recieved.

"Just so we are all clear, there will be NO PUBLIC COMMENT allowed either today or tomorrow, before the vote on the Moratorium. 

I checked with Councilman Redman’s assistant first, and then confirmed this with Councilman Yarbrough’s assistant.

I am disappointed, as I was ready to speak with visual aids.  I will send them to council now."

[JeffreyS]

I have prepared comments as well this is just unacceptable.

[Cheshire Cat]

Hold up FSU.  Go to the meeting and speak with Councilman Joost about your visual aids and documentation.  He has every right to call you up, ask you questions etc. during the meeting as does any other council member who opposes the moratorium.  Also, people can speak at the will of the person chairing the meeting.  If the committees intend to allow lobbyists and Daniel Davis speak, then they need to allow alternate information to get a balanced view of the issue.

[Cheshire Cat]

Guys, speak with the committee chair persons in advance of the meeting. Make sure to give them you names and that you are available to answer questions and add facts to the discussion.  If they intend to question proponents of the bill, they need to allow those opposed equal opportunity which they can do at their will.  Don't let them tell you otherwise. 

[fsujax]

i really do not understand how they can not accept public comment before a vote. Sunshine Laws?

[Cheshire Cat]

This is what Carla Miller is working on right now and the reason for the thread she opened here on MJ asking about this very issue.  Make sure to read what she is asking which directly pertains to this.

Those attending the meeting, here is what to watch for. Richard Clark or another supporter on council will likely call forward a speaker of his choice under the guise of asking a question or two, of course this is in order to open up the floor to comments supporting his bill.  This is how committee meetings are gamed toward one side or the other.  Go to the council members who oppose the extension and let them know you come with alternate facts and would be happy to "answer their questions about why the moratorium is not needed."  You must get this message to them prior to the meeting and if you must, give a note to their council aides declaring your presence and willingness to "answer questions about the moratorium issue."  If you see the meeting being gamed by proponents and buddies on council, make sure to send a "note" via legislative services while the meeting is in session, to the chair of the committee letting them know you see this as unfair and that you know what is taking place.