Interconnections
First, I appreciate all the effort that went into this plan. I did not leave sufficient time for reading and digesting and at the same time I want to share my observations. I speak specifically to TABLE 5.1, p 153 of the written statement. It demonstrates the interconnected nature of the needs and the proposed plan.
My experience is that one hand may not know what the other hands are doing or proposed, particularly when it comes to planning.
We need to be buidling community at every opportunity. AND we need all planning decisions to be "climate proofed." I am involved and have submitted a letter in regard to a planning application in my own community. We need housing. We also need to protect and support the natural environment and access to natural areas that support biodiversity. The application as it stands provides housing but threatens a natural amenity and a biodiversisty plan already in place.
Please find a way for the varioius parties within the city, most of whom I know to be genuinely concerned with these issues to talk with one another and to ensure that making a decision in area A does not drag down and damage another objective. The SDG are all inter-related and must be treated as such
Please establish an ongoing conversation with the communities that are impacted. This can't be a one off. We need to start the dialogue with this process and CONTINUE it for us all to thrive as we navigate these incredibly challenging times. Establish ongoing channels and opportunities for conversation and working with each other and working with nature.
Again, I apologize for the brevity here but please know I am sincere and I know how hard everyone iin the City works for everyone's benefit and want them to know their work is appreciated.