Compiled Views

click on image for sound

Have a listen to a few sounds that I was able to capture. I interviewed folks from Franklin as well as a biologist from the area and tried but failed to speak with the developer Mark Carstenson. On Thursday May 3rd there is a scheduled planning meeting at the Franklin Police station 7pm. I encourage anyone and everyone to attend this, and that the city must hear from its constituents.
The more I talk with all parties (residents, developers, and city officials) that are going to be affected by the project's outcome, the more I understand that to most folks, this is inevitable. Development is going to happen, it's good for everyone, the city is doing what they can, I trust them to do their job, and for the most part... "you're not recording right?...shhhh....don't let anyone hear me and I can't believe I'm saying this but...I feel like I don't have a voice in the matter." I found myself during the process of interviewing, doubting my own intent and interest in a project like this. I was doubting my power to ask questions, I was doubting my intent for the material based on the reactions from some people involved. I came to the conclusion that often times we feel so isolated based on systems of power, that when we see an opportunity to connect with another individual, the feeling of mutual interest is steeped in an almost mutual discomfort.
I was open to seeing what everyone thought of this development in the beginning. I was skeptical that the development was going to be some "big bad box," and that surely the the majority of folks knew about the project. The more I read about the logistics of this project I feel that the project might need to be looked at more carefully. I continue to question if this particular version of the plan is good for all parties involved, and if more time were taken to really develop something that everyone can benefit from, the result might look better and even pose as a model for the city and other types of business.