The Amarillo green team's petition to push green initiatives in the upcoming master plan
The Amarillo green team is currently circulating a petition that they will turn into the city of Amarillo. The petition is not an attempt to change a city ordinance or to bring an issue to an upcoming ballot. Instead, with the City updating the comprehensive master plan this coming year, the green team wanted as many green initiatives as possible in that plan.
This Friday is the last day for consulting firms to bid on the master plan contract. The goal of the green team is that the city choose a firm well versed in green programs.
"Its not about changing a ballot or getting something voted on, its about the future planning of the city. The master plan is being updated for the first time since 1985 and we would really like to see green initiatives set in that plan. Recycling, bicycle lanes, solar energy, alternative fuels. Basically things to lower our carbon foot print that would really benefit Amarillo in the long run in the master plan," said Rachael Kelly a green team member.
"We're trying to get as many signatures as possible by Friday to turn into the city as their making their final decisions on who their hiring, but we will be continuing to collect signatures for an undetermined period of time until we amass several thousand total to really show the city its not something that's going away. That the citizens at large are interested". added Kelly
The city hopes to have a firm selected by February and get started on the plan soon after. The comprehensive master plan is a framework for the city's future. Anything you want to see in the next twenty to twenty-five years needs to be voiced to the city. City officials say that community involvement is crucial in a successful comprehensive master plan.
You might spot the green team at a variety of locations collecting signatures. Thursday from 10:00 AM till 2:00 pm the group will be at EAT RITE off Georgia. If you would like to sign the petition or to voice your concerns and ideas to the green team. You can email them at gogreenamarillo@hotmail.com.
You can also sign by coming down to our KVII studios located at 11th and Pierce, just check with the front desk. To voice some concerns or ideas to our green coordinator here at KVII contact; Bentley Dye at bdye@kvii.com.
And remember, Amarillo is the new green.
