Click on the image for more photos at http://ricefield.weebly.com/photos.html
UPDATE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18:
You are Needed More than Ever!
The proposal for senior housing at Rice Field moves to City Council.
The highlight of last night’s hearing on the survival of Rice Field as recreational space came from a member of the P and Z board.
In addition to motioning that that the PUD not be amended, she motioned that the PUD be removed, return the land to original zoning and that the City procure it.
The motions were supported but did not pass at P and Z. The motions are clearly a step in the right direction to save Rice Field as we turn our attention to the City Council and continue advocating these very plans.
More later. Visit Friends of Rice Field Facebook page
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Beaverdale, Des Moines residents have been fighting to save a patch of neighborhood green space from development since 2006. You can help them by spreading the word about the public hearing on Rice field being held tonight.
See the Friends of Rice Field photo page to understand what a tragic loss it would be to the community if this tiny urban paradise for kids were to go away. For more ways you can help these brave ordinary citizens fighting to preserve what is good in their community, click on the links below. Click here to go to Friends of Rice Field issues page.
According to a letter from Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission to residents within 200 feet of Rice field:
“The City Plan and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday evening October 17, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Second Floor, City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Drive on the following matter:
A request from Beaverdale Partners, LLC (owner) represented by Jeffrey Ewing (officer) for review and approval of an amendment to the Rice Development Partners PUD Conceptual Plan on property located at 3001 Beaver Avenue revising the name to Beaverdale Cooperative Housing PUD and allowing development of a three-story 54-unit multiple-family dwelling for senior living…
At the public hearing, you or your representative will be given an opportunity to tell your views. Spoken comments will be held to 5 minutes per individual….
NOTE: The Plan and Zoning Commission will make a recommendation to the City Council regarding this matter. The City Council will hold a public hearing on this request about two weeks after the Commission meeting. Please contact the City Clerk at 283-4209 to find out when the City Council will hold their public hearing on this item.
(Click here to read the entire letter)
Friendsof RiceField
Today, City Hall, 6:00
Well wishers and fans of Rice field as recreational space turn to Plan and Zoning tonight to defend this century-old community village green.
Since 2006, supporters of Rice Field continue to advocate for the majority–75% who desire Rice Field to be an enhanced park; 67% who wish the field be left simply as is (Essman Survey).
Since 2006, over 1,300 Friends-of-Rice-Field yard signs have been distributed and displayed within and beyond Beaverdale.
A petition was collected in the fall of 2006 which contained 1,000 signatures to oppose development at Rice Field.
Awareness has increased for the need to preserve this invaluable recreational field that brings health, vivaciousness and smiles to the community in a part of the city where parkland is seriously lacking and where recreational spaces have been lost to development.
As you view the photographs of Rice Field on Friends of Ricefield Facebook page it becomes apparent that we are advocating for the children; for our youth and adults who come to Rice Field to play.
We are advocating for our own wishes when we realize the goodness that Rice Field offers to the community as public green space.
To Help
For a Friends of Rice Field yard sign contact: friendsofricefield@live.com
For updates on Facebook: friendsofricefield
Call Friends of Rice Field spokesperson Matt Culp: 255-4699
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