Supporters,
Firstly, I wanted to provide an update as the second community meeting's time and place has been confirmed. I updated the petition, but wanted to let everyone know:
May 6th, 6p-8p, Cryil Allgeier Community Center
May 10th, 8:30a-11a, St. Xavier High School
Further, a letter was sent out to residents of the impacted area, informing them of this proposal and the meetings set to occur. They also referenced another Councilperson given his district borders the Newburg Rd section of the park, and thus I wanted to note this, and provide phone numbers for reaching out.
District 10, Councilwoman Josie Raymond, 574-1110
District 8, Councilman Ben Reno-Weber: 574-1108
Metro Council's main line: 574-1100
As noted in the petition, this matter will be voted on, and the voices of Metro Council's constituents can and will impact their decision. The power to make a difference is, peacefully, in our actions, our words, and our voices.
Lastly, thank you. Thank for signing this petition, for sharing it, for adding comments and videos, promoting it, for caring about this cause, about our park, and about nature and our need to preserve our shrinking greenspaces.
I started this petition not knowing what to expect. I saw little movement at first and wondered if I was in the minority for caring about what could happen. However, I started seeing other petitions online, flyers on utility poles, people talking about the news with fellow park goers on their walks... I was relieved, hope renewed, witnessing the impassioned community speaking up and out about something far greater than just one park or one tree or one person.
Because of each and everyone of you, this petition now has over 2000 signatures!!
I will forward this petition to our respective Council Members prior to the upcoming meetings, encouraging them to attend. I will continue to track this petition and update it, and you, of any significant changes or news.
Thank you again, truly, for your support and your caring about this park, our community, and nature.
Seeing how many of you signed this petition that live outside of Joe Creason Park's district is inspiriting. It shows that this place is not just my place, or your place, but everyone's place. And as a community, we must stand up to protect our places.
In closing, I'm reminded of a poem by Wendell Berry that I believe is on point with this cause, and this time in our lives. I wanted to share it with you as a way to say thanks, and to give light to anyone's darkness:
A Poem of Hope
- Tom