Inside the Public Hearing

A time for residents to be heard.

One of my favorite paintings by Normal Rockwell is entitled Freedom of Speech. In the painting, a man by the name of Jim Edgerton is speaking to his Vermont neighbors in opposition to a plan to build a new school.

Everything about this painting speaks to me. This man, clearly younger than most of his other neighbors appears to have a more blue-collar job than those that are donning ties and jackets. If we were experiencing this scene in real life, we might not give a second thought to what Mr. Edgerton in this important meeting. Yet, he is commanding the attention of many while he is speaking; the man in front of him is looking back intently listening to the man’s thoughts. And it’s clear the topic at hand is important. Look at the individuals in the room, it’s packed.

In my mind, there is no better represenation of how our government should work. Residents of all walks of life, coming forward and providing their thoughts on what is being deliberated by those entrusted to serve the public.

I had that painting in mind when I presided over the June 5th Council Meeting in which we held a public hearing on the rezoning of property located off State Route 55. We had quite the crowd, we had people of all walks of life. The recipe was set for our own Normal Rockwell moment. The video of the public hearing is below and starts at the 5:30 minute mark. I would encourage you to watch a few minutes.

What I found so valuable in the public hearing was that way everyone that came to the podium spoke clearly about what was important to them. Drainage issues, traffic issues, housing issues. Many of the challenges that a growing and vibrant community are facing are on full display and these residents and stakeholders came forward to not throw shade at an opposing side of a debate, but rather, earnestly and honestly talk about how these issues are impacting them, their neighbors and their community. It truly is a democratic process in action.

Why a Public Hearing?

Our own ordinances in Troy require a public hearing on properties that are going through the rezoning process. The rezoning process requires a recommendation from the Planning Commission (which traditionally does not entertain public comment) and is brought to council.

These rezoning items go through the three reading process, in which the public hearing is held the same night as the second reading. Property owners within a certain radius of the rezoning are given a letter letting them know that a public hearing will be held on the rezoning and there is also a public notice and advertising by the City as well. All of the measures are taken to ensure that public input is provided for in the rezoning process.

The Public Hearing is the time where residents are heard on the issues important to them about the topic at hand. It’s not designed to be a back and forth discussion, but issues that are brought up are expected to be addressed by City Staff before the item is brought up for a final vote. But, at it’s heart, the Public Hearing is all about giving residents an unlimited opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with the body that will make the decision.

The Fear of Public Speaking

We also can’t dismiss that every public hearing, requires the public to speak. In public.

Most people have a real fear of public speaking. They would much rather do more painful or less enjoyable things that to get up in public and speak on anything, let alone on something that on the surface is very, very dry. And I will be the first to admit, our Council Chambers, don’t help. You are expected to stand behind a podium and almost look up to a wall of people seated in front of you. It’s not exactly a conducive enviornment to invite the most eloquent thoughts people could put forward.

But I must give credit to those that came foward and spoke, none of them seemed overly nervous and they made their point in a manner that was clear and compelling. They were all on different sides of an issue, but they spoke honestly and earnestly and added to a very real community conversation on the rezoning of this property.

The Next Steps in the Process

The next step in the process is to have a meeting of the Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee where the item will be dicsussed in-depth. The committee will then make a recommendation to council to vote on as the item is up for it’s third reading.