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Special Session <br />February 22, 2005 <br /> <br />high and lofty ideas of University City's Comprehensive Plan. By not ensuring that City <br />Ordinances support the statements in the Plan, common citizens are not only left with <br />arguments and defenses based upon the Plan that will not hold up in court when forced <br />to do so, but are also given a false sense of hope that vanishes into thin air when <br />confronted with the legal system. Why even have the Plan? It not only cannot be <br />enforced, but deceives the general population with a false sense of security. We had <br />your total support until the idealistic goals of preserving the integrity of our <br />neighborhood met face-to-face with the ever-increasing, all-powerful characteristic of <br />self-centered greed. I have fought many battles in University City, for the school system, <br />for our neighborhoods, for our churches over the past thirty plus years, but never before <br />have I felt so deserted by my community. <br /> <br />Joe Weintraub, 7832 Greensfelder Lane, a newcomer to University City, expressed his <br />frustration over this situation. He commented upon the time and energy invested into <br />the issue and mentioned that it was defeated by the Planning Commission, by the City <br />Council and yet he is here once again because of this suit. He cited the proposed plan <br />by Miracle Developments to install two "bowling alley" sized homes which do not fit the <br />property as another issue being argued at present. He expressed his fear that because <br />Greensfelder is a private street, that the nine people who live there pay for the upkeep <br />of their street and if they "sign-off" on this, there will be no control or guarantee that their <br />street will be maintained. He does not want to have to pay for something someone else <br />has destroyed. He believes the vote sets a precedent. He does not understand why the <br />vote is no and then something passes. He interprets these events as resulting in <br />people suing the City to get whatever they want. Then he asked how University City <br />would respond when six or seven of the neighbors on Greensfelder Lane file a counter <br />suit? <br /> <br />Mr. Wagner said the idea of having a bond from the construction company had been <br />discussed previously with the City Manager, to cover any damage to the street from <br />construction and asked him if he remembered the conversation. Mr. Ollendorff said he <br />did and then explained that there should be a way the owners of the street can get <br />protection against damage. If it were a City street, bonds would be required. He <br />expressed willingness to work with the neighbors to make this happen. It is one step <br />removed because it is a private street. Mr. Weintraub thanked the City Manager and <br />expressed the opinion that neighbors do not object to erection of a house, but to the <br />detrimental "look" that will affect the street. Mr. Ollendorff said Mr. Wagner asked him to <br />ask Mr. Anselmo if he would meet with residents and Mr. Anselmo agreed. Mr. Wagner <br />asked if the City had any legal leverage as far as a building permit was concerned and if <br />a bond could be required? Mr. Ollendorff said it was an avenue that could be used, but <br />the City cannot enforce private property rights. It can play a role in assisting the private <br />property owners to enforce their rights. Mr. Ollendorff suggested meeting with property <br />owners privately. He said he is not sure he can add requirements on a building permit <br />that relates to private property but there ought to be a way to work out the problem. <br />Mr. Wagoner referred to an item in a letter from Mr. Hill, Paragraph 4, Item A: <br /> Page 2 <br /> <br /> <br />