From 1000 Friends, forwarded by Jane Clark Growth Scenario Public Input Meetings Round 2 For responsible growth to be a part of the discussion for how the Des Moines metro area develops over the next 20-30 years, we need your attendance at one or more of the second round of public hearings in February and March. The Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is updating the metropolitan area's growth scenario, the first step in updating the Long-Range Transportation Plan. The Des Moines Area MPO is preparing to hold the second round of public information meetings to continue to give the public the opportunity to provide input and comment on the Des Moines metropolitan area Growth Scenario Alternatives. In September 2003, at the first round of Growth Scenario Public Input Meetings, the Des Moines Area MPO staff presented three preliminary Growth Scenario alternatives. The second round of public input meetings will give the public the opportunity to comment on the population and employment numbers associated with those alternatives. 1000 Friends of Iowa's viewpoint is that each of the three alternatives is a recipe for urban sprawl, and that little consideration is being given to a smart growth approach to development. The MPO needs further citizen input in the hope that it will revise the plan and embrace a more responsible approach to future land use. You can review the maps and figures at www.dmampo.org. Click on: In Touch Newsletter, Growth Scenario Public Input Meetings. The meetings will consist of a short presentation by Des Moines Area MPO staff, followed by a question and answer session. It is important that our members choose a meeting to attend. This is our chance to make our voices heard. Feb. 23 - Waukee Council Chambers, 230 Hwy 6, Waukee - 7:00-8:30 p.m. Feb. 24 - Altoona Public Library, 700 8th St. SE, Altoona - 7:00-8:30 p.m. Feb. 26 - Polk City Council Chambers, 112 3rd St., Polk City - 7:00-8:30 p.m. Mar. 1 - Des Moines Central Library, 100 Locust St., Des Moines - 6:30-8:00 p.m. Mar. 2 - Des Moines Southside Library, 1111 Porter Ave., Des Moines - 6:30-8:00 p.m. If you cannot attend any meetings, you may contact the Des Moines Area MPO at (515) 334-0075, fax to (515) 334-0098, e-mail [log in to unmask] or send mail to 6200 Aurora Ave, Suite 300W, Urbandale, IA 50322. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp