This expression was first introduced through a tale about a Native American and a white man having a discussion after a hunt. When the white man said, "I'll take the turkey and you the buzzard, or you take the buzzard and I the turkey," These two offers sounded different because the white man reversed the order. However, in both instances the white man would walk away with the larger prize. The Native American realized this and said to the white man, “Now talk turkey to me.”

This upcoming Thanksgiving Week is a great time for us to Talk Turkey about this Wycliffe Development with our families and friends.

For a third time, Eddie Bourdon, the attorney for Wycliffe Church, in order to assist Bishard Homes, has served up a deferral. We were ready to meet in September, then October, and now our opportunity to meet next week is being taken off the table... 

Bourdon states in the request, "The contract purchaser [Bishard Homes] of the Church's excess land has asked for the additional time to explore the feasibility of a plan which will protect and preserve the regional public stormwater BMP/pond located on the property." It sounds good until you realize you are being offered the buzzard, right?

The city, not the developer, has an obligation to the public to protect and preserve the regional public stormwater BMP/pond located on the property. They failed to do this when they determined a pipe could take its place. They failed to do this when they recommended this Change of Use was fitting with our Comprehensive Plan for Suburban Areas. Now our City Council has the opportunity to right that wrong.

So what is really on the table? The builder has had substantial discussions about this property for over 3 years and knows what can be built there if he isn't permitted to fill the lake in. The real question is how long our city will continue to cooperate with this builder for something the community has very loudly rejected. 

Let's Talk Turkey. 

Next Update: A Square Peg into a Round Hole: How to Make a Comp Plan Fit...