There is a proposal to build a 116-unit motel at near Harbor Cove Marina...but according to this emailer below, who lives near the proposed site, councilors hadn't heard about it. She sent the Mayor and councilors some interesting observations and comments:

Follow up:

"Don, According to Wayne Dahlberg, bdp Architects and Terry Anderson, partner with Bob Maki(Globe Enterprises), they met with the Planning Department a year ago regarding the construction of a 116 room motel at their property Harbor Cove Marina, 1100 Minnesota Avenue. October last year they met with the Development Review Committee. They have been conducting soil and water tests during the past year. I learned about this project because I live within 350 feet of the site, and they are requesting an impervious surface variance.

I have been quite startled and puzzled, after emailing City Councilors about this, to discover that according to several of them, they had no knowledge of this project. According to one of them, last week a department head denied having any knowledge of this project. This makes me wonder what is going on in City Hall and what you might do to improve communications. For example, could all requests for meetings with the Development Review Committee also go to City Councilors?

It seems to me that since eventually they vote on Planning Commission decisions, they could be in the loop a lot sooner. I know that you have been overwhelmed by issues in the City this year; I also know that you are in a position to improve city government by creating an open, mutually supportive atmosphere in City Hall.

Would you be willing to consider taking the time to develop some new strategies to move us in this direction? It seems to me that some action is necessary to make changes that will enhance open government and responsible planning. These issues are important to me and they are the sole mission of the Duluth Public Policy Alliance, where I continueas a committee member. Thanks, Jan"