The University Area Commission met Oct. 19 in the Northwood High building to discuss whether to go forward with and recommend the Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan.
The borders of the Weinland Park neighborhood span from Chittenden Avenue to the north, High Street to the west, Fifth Avenue to the south, and the Conrail railroad tracks to the east.
According to the 2004 Weinland Park Market Study and the 2000 U.S. Census, 50 percent of the Weinland Park population is below the poverty level, and fewer than 10 percent of the housing is owner-occupied.
Todd Singer, the representative that presented the plan to the UAC, said the general thought behind the plan was to "revitalize the neighborhood gradually and prevent gentrification."
The plan was created to address everything from safety, traffic, economic environment and education to aesthetics, community pride and morale. If approved, the revitalization plan would be in effect for the next 15 to 20 years.
"It's no secret that Weinland Park has a lot of challenges," Singer said. "It also has a lot of positive aspects."
The strategic approach to the plan is outlined in a 50-plus page document that addresses certain areas but also has projects for the entire neighborhood.
"Our hope is to create a very mixed-income neighborhood ... we would really like to encourage investments by professionals," Singer said.
Singer went on to outline the plan to the commission members, then the floor was opened for questions and comments.
Ron Hupman, president of the commission, asked if anyone would like to speak in favor or against the plan. The feeling in the room quickly went from a neutral discussion to a heated debate by a few.
The argument was started by Roger Deal, Zoning Committee chairman and second vice president, who opposed additions of trees in the places mentioned in the plan because they were counterproductive to parking and sidewalk accessibility.
Commissioner Berdawn Hutchinson, who resides in Weinland Park, then began avidly speaking against the plan.
"This plan does nothing to address crime," Hutchinson said. "It is not a perception. There is crime."
As she continued pointing out all the problems she had with the plan her arguments became more and more passionate. Hutchinson said the housing plan does nothing to help the poor that reside in Weinland Park, and the plan will allow for businesses that profit from the poverty of the people in the area.
Hupman spoke after Hutchinson, disagreeing with a few of her issues and sparking a tense exchange between the two.
"A vote for this plan is a vote for the status quo, and I can't stand this," Hutchinson said.
Singer tried to address the commissioners' concerns and support the plan, but was continuously interrupted.
Commissioner Dick Talbott tried to put the discussion to rest by suggesting the commissioners return to carefully reading the plan document and reopen it for discussion at their November meeting. More discussion followed Talbott's suggestion.
In support of the plan, Planning Committee Chair Catherine Girves said she had been involved in the entire process of the plan and believed that it was being portrayed unfairly. She said Weinland Park and the UAC members were given many opportunities to participate in the planning process, with multiple meetings held at previous dates and the distribution of flyers.
As the debate began to heat up again, Talbott motioned to table the Weinland Park Neighborhood Plan, requiring all members to stop debating and vote either for or against putting the plan on hold. The motioned carried, 12 for and 4 against.
Berdawn Hutchinson resigned from the UAC earlier this week, but has given no details yet as to the exact reasons behind her decision.
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