By Tom Scanlon | Eat Valley Tribune
With the pace of large commercial and residential projects accelerating, a key city manager is urging those taking part in the process to speed up their reviews.
This may raise eyebrows among those who complain the city is “rubber stamping” projects, including ones neighbors vehemently oppose.
Nana Appiah, the city’s planning director, often plays the part of referee in a tug-of-war, with developers pulling on one side, to the chants of “Go go go!” and residents on the other side, insisting “No no no!”
Projects typically are reviewed by the Design Review and Planning and Zoning boards before being presented to City Council. Appiah was present at the Aug. 25 Planning and Zoning Board meeting, for example, during which two projects were opposed by residents.
Twenty neighbors spoke out against a proposed industrial project near Thomas Road and Val Vista Drive.
