Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I am writing to fill you in on Neighbors For McMillan, a new group of us local community members
who have come together to support redevelopment of the McMillan plant. By now –
you may have seen the “Create McMillan Park” signs popping up around the
neighborhood or heard talk of upcoming house parties and events.
While I am speaking only for myself and not officially representing
Neighbors For McMillan – I can say that the intent of our group is in fact to
speak with a collective voice about plans for local redevelopment. We have
FINALLY come together as an official group of many residents immediately
surrounding the site who are excited about a huge, 8 acre new park and
community center and grocery store and retail and jobs and much-needed housing,
for starters.
For too long now, opponents of any redevelopment – or those who
foolishly think that creating a park on the entire space is remotely
financially feasible – have been bullying this community, taking over the
conversation and misrepresenting the views of the larger community. And to add
intensity – and negativity - to the situation – a national group of Ralph Nader
supporters who oppose development across the country and just finished fighting
the revitalization of a library in the District, now appear to have joined
forces with “Friends of McMillan.” They are not from this community, they do
not represent our views and they are using our little community to wage a much
larger special-interest battle.
While there are many good people who oppose redevelopment here
for whatever reason – and they have every right to do so – Neighbors For
McMillan has formed to make this conversation local again – to make it about
what is best for our community – about what the majority of people who live
here want.
I myself would like a fresh breath of air in this community. I
would like new shops and restaurants. A new grocery store in walking distance.
A cool, large park to run around and in – complete with all of the views of the
City that we love. I, and I think many Neighbors For McMillan, would like to
stop all the infighting and misleading – and work together to bring the best development
here.
I hope this is a good start at explaining our group. If you also
support new, exciting things for our community and are ready to stop all the
nastiness – send me an email at brdaneker@hotmail.com. I’ll get you a sign and
let you know about upcoming events and opportunities to make a difference. Also like us on Facebook at
Neighbors-For-McMillan and follow us on Twitter @OurNewPark. Or – just let me
know that you would like to receive email updates. OR you can just tell me to shove it. Whatever
your choice – I look forward to everything we can accomplish together.
Sincerely,
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