At a recent Winslow City Council meeting, an important agenda item to discuss amending the agreement with Atlas Global Development, drew considerable attention from the community. During the call to the public, 15 residents expressed their concerns about the project, reflecting the community’s apprehension about the project’s impact. However, the amendment was not any particular action but extended the amount of time they can vet the plan until the end of July.
The residents’ worries centered around the preservation of Coopertown and Southside neighborhoods, environmental protection, and the management of essential resources like water and power. There is a fear by residents that the growth induced by the development plan might outstrip the capacities of critical services such as schools, hospitals and law enforcement. Another previous article regarding citizens’ concerns, titled “Atlas Global’s Proposed Project Sparks Concerns Among Winslow Residents” is available at tribunenewsnow.com.
Following the residents’ expression of concerns, Dan Lupien, a partner at Atlas Global Development, addressed those in attendance, stating, “This is day one. We are going to do as many days and meetings as we need to for us to come up with a solution together, and if we can’t, we can’t.”
Additionally, members of the Atlas Global team engaged directly with residents in Coopertown and Southside, conducting door-to-door visits to acquaint them with the development plans. This outreach was complemented by a meeting at El Falcone Restaurant, which took place just before the city council meeting, allowing residents to raise further questions.
Mayor Birdie Cano provided context to the discussions, drawing parallels to the city’s industrial past and the need for economic diversification. “When the sawmill was up and running, we were a very industrious community and everyone appreciated that it was an employer for our citizens. We understand at some point in time we are going to have to have something more than the railroad and the prison to sustain us.” She further noted that the council had dedicated over a year to this project and was extending the contract to ensure the plan aligns with Winslow’s needs and aspirations.
Mayor Cano also announced plans for an informal meeting with the council, aimed at providing residents with a platform for open dialogue. This meeting will allow for a back-and-forth discussion between residents and council members, an interaction not usually possible during formal council meetings due to time constraints. While the date for this meeting has not been set, Mayor Cano assures that it will be a significant opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and ideas directly to the council.
