Part of the problem is that the media (whatever that is) doesn't really do a great job reporting the mechanics behind the development approval process. It's easy to write a clickable and shareable story with great quotes from unhappy people without providing any context as to what the City is actually required, by law!, to consider when weighing decisions on applications.The neighborhood's opinion of any project is purely advisory to the planning commission and city council.Can you explain this more? I'm thinking of writing the CM.
That a neighborhood group or some neighbors or really anyone at all opposes any given application for a variance or a conditional use permit or a rezoning is legally meaningless. They are certainly able to, and often do, bring up points that are legally meaningful. But "the neighbors don't want it" isn't an argument by itself. There are specific standards that have to be met or not met to approve or deny an application, and the staff reports generally do a very good job explaining those, but they're...long, so you know, quotes from bystanders.
MNdible knows this, MNdible is great, that's just a general thought.
I will continue to hold that this Cabal Of Massively Powerful Neighborhood Groups Stopping All The Projects is largely imagined! That said, if you have opinions that you think aren't represented in these stories, you should travel the extremely small distance past leaving a comment on this forum and actually submit public comment on the project.