I cannot speak for everyone but most people, I know, who live in the damaged neighborhoods just want to rebuild and their neighbors to return. They like where they live and are not interested in ideas for the perfect city. People all across Tuscaloosa and beyond want to make changes to someone else’s private property or neighborhood. KEEP OUT! I am sorry, I know you mean well, but unless you live in any of the devastated neighborhoods you may not understand the impact this forum and your comments are having on grieving property owners.

It should not be up to the city or anyone in this forum, including myself, to decide what should be done to someone’s private property. Do we need big time local developers, who seem to control the city council, reshape this city to the benefit of their own pockets? Who is looking out for the interest of the neighborhoods damaged in this city? Some neighborhoods such as Cedar Crest, to my knowledge, have not been visited or even contacted by their city council representative since the tornado? Why? Volumes have been spoken about his commitment to Cedar Crest without a single word from him.

If anyone wants to help the struggling neighborhoods or businesses support their right to exist. Property zoning in damaged neighborhoods where people are struggling to rebuild should remain unchanged. Any new homes should reflect the surrounding homes in price, size and appearance. Keep investors from subdividing lots for multiple homes or combining now vacant lots to build apartment buildings between houses. This tragedy should not be turned in to a land grab.

Any growing city is always changing. Changes can be good. Like others I look forward to viewing the city's final plan. It is important to also remember who will be affected by any suggestions being made. I believe we should protect the property owner’s rights in our devastated neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods and their people are what make Tuscaloosa great!