Last night at YLNI's downtown Harrison Square panel discussion, the group conducted a poll of those present asking what they thought of the proposed development.
There were 263 responses to the question "Do you support the mixed-use development presented tonight?”
Of those 263, 44 people marked themselves as YLNI members.
Vote breakdown:
Yes: 80%
No: 14%
Undecided: 6%
Read the press release for yourself by clicking the link below:
YLNI Announces Results of Poll Conducted at Harrison Square Panel Discussion
Thursday, March 15, 2007
YLNI Straw Poll Results
Posted by scott spaulding at 3/15/2007 09:16:00 AM
Labels: Harrison Square, YLNI
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6 comments:
I was hoping someone from YLNI could explain why there wasn't a skeptic as part of the panel discussion - there were 2 supporters that basically added nothing to the discussion. If you're going to put together a forum for community discussion then you should try and include all relevant viewpoints from the community.
I would've expected that kind of panel if the administration put together the discussion but it was very disappointing considering it was sponsored by YLNI...
Jeff,
You obviously missed the point about the forum. It was an information forum, not a debate. Many of the skeptics have repeatedly stated that nobody is offering answers to their questions. We provided a forum questions to be answered.
By the way, if you'll remember, one of those supporters "that bascially added nothing" stated that he was once a skeptic. It's a shame that you think that they added nothing to the panel. I happened to think that when a respected member of the community like Steve Gard says that he supports the project, despite the increase in business competition, that gives a powerful message to the community.
Barranda,
Do you not think community members would like to ask questions of the skeptics? People generally do like to hear the thoughts from those on both sides of the issue. It doesn't need to be a debate to include all relevant viewpoints.
Also, it's nothing against Gard but he certainly didn't add much of anything to the discussion and I'm sure he'd even be willing to admit that.
I'd certainly debate the idea that there will be an "increase in business competition". There will be more restaurants but there will be MORE PEOPLE as well. Obviously, he believes (and I would agree) that the increase in people will be beneficial despite more restaurants opening up.
I would hardly consider that a powerful message...
Jeff,
What questions would the community like to ask the skeptics? And, what factual information would the skeptics have to share?
I think it was important to note that the panel had to answer tough, direct questions; questions posed by quite a few skeptics.
I also think it was key that it was not a forum for airing general opinions. An opinion isn't as valuable unless it can be questioned, which is exactly what happened Wednesday night.
The purpose of the presentation and panel discussion was to inform the public on facts and information they may not have been exposed to prior. It was also an opportunity for the public to have a voice and directly question those making the recommendations. I believe those goals were met.
mrsschoegler,
I'm not a spokesman for the community at large or for the skeptics so I'm not sure what questions and answers would've been given. But I do know that YLNI could've gotten direct answers to those two questions by inviting a skeptic to the panel.
I guess I should make clear that, in general, I thought the panel discussion was a good thing and I really liked the idea of having the questions submitted in writing.
The intent of my original comment was to get an answer as to why YLNI chose not to invite a skeptic. I believe you and barranda have answered this question and although I certainly don't agree with your rational I accept it nonetheless...
Jeff,
With respect to Gard, I think you make my point. For the majority of the public, the Harrison Square has been a battle about perception. There is a small minority (which I bet I could place you in) that actually wants to see some hard facts and numbers before being sold on this project. However, the majority just thinks its a dumb idea for several reasons: parking, traffic, minimal uses, safety, won't achieve the purpose of bringing people downtown, drive out existing local retail, etc.
Having Gard on the panel did a few things for us. He's a respected businessman, and his restaurant isn't going anywhere. He also believes (and apparently you do too) that there will be increased foot traffic downtown, and it will help business. Finally, he is a tangible example of a businessman who was skeptical about the project, but turned around after doing the research, and traveling to other cities.
He may not have had much effect on you (and the minority), but I happen to think he brings quite a strong message in the court of public opinion.
At any rate, thanks for your opinion. Reasonable minds can certainly differ. I was just extremely pleased to see so many people give a damn about the city.
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