The combination of commercial space and apartments in the Bowman Center could be good for the community. However, this project serves as an example of County projects that appear to be taking shape behind-the-scenes between officials and developers prior to formal public rezoning hearings.
Maybe this is how it has always been done. Maybe it’s the only way it can be done. If true, it calls into question the true purpose of holding public hearings. Is it to review and evaluate projects or go through the motions to reach an end state that seems already decided.
This perception likely plays a role in why citizens don’t pay attention to the process or engage in it. It’s just not worth the effort to contribute to a process that too often already seems decided ahead of time.
Click here to read Scott Shenk’s Free Lance-Star article for more information.