Item 24 - Public Hearing - Amendments to the Transit Zoning Code

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"Esteemed members of the City Council, thank you for allowing me to address you today regarding the moratorium and proposed re -zoning of our industrial areas. My name is Walter Yaeger, I purchased the industrial building at 1037 Fuller Street in1987, since then it is the location of the manufacturing company I founded in 1978. My daughter just celebrated her 35th year with me, and my son-in-law is in his 30th year and my grandson is also currently working at this location. I come from a long line of Tool and Die makers and machinists, including my grandfather, my father and three of my uncles. I stand before you as a concerned business owner and resident, deeply troubled by the implications of this proposed zoning change. We all understand the fundamental pillars upon which any nation's prosperity rests: mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. While our city, admittedly, doesn't engage in mining or large- scale agriculture, it does possess a vital, albeit small, manufacturing sector. This sector is not a relic of the past; it is the cornerstone of our future. Let's be clear: modern manufacturing is not the smokestack industry of yesteryear. It's a high-tech, innovative field that provides high -paying jobs and drives technological advancement. It's the engine that produces the tools and equipment necessary for mining and agriculture — the very foundations of our society. Without manufacturing, our ability to sustain ourselves and innovate diminishes. The proposed rezoning threatens to eliminate this crucial element of our local economy. By converting M1 and M2 zones to residential, we are not simply changing land use; we are dismantling a vital component of our city's resilience and future prosperity. We are telling future generations that high -paying, technical jobs are not welcome here. We must also consider the strategic implications. Our nation's current economic challenges, including our staggering national debt, are directly linked to the offshoring of manufacturing. We've learned the hard lesson that outsourcing critical production leaves us vulnerable and dependent. History reminds us that our manufacturing might was instrumental in winning World War 11. In a rapidly changing global landscape, we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past and further erode our industrial base. Furthermore, preserving manufacturing zones ensures that our residents have access to local employment opportunities, reducing commute times and fostering a stronger sense of community. This is not just about economics; it's about the quality of life for our citizens. I urge you to reconsider this rezoning. Let us not sacrifice our industrial future for short-term residential gains. Instead, let us embrace the potential of modern manufacturing and build a resilient, prosperous community for generations to come. Let us not forget the three pillars of a nation and let us not remove one of the most important pillars of our city. Thank you." Regards, Walter W. Yaeger