Readers Write: Immigration policy, St. Paul Ford site redevelopment, anti-Semitism, diversity

The front-page article "Making a case for foreign workers" (Sept. 5) makes a case for only one side. While the argument for a guest-worker program is compelling, the article does not frame the question in that manner and instead speaks of an "anti-immigrant fervor." It is true that xenophobia is on the rise and is often a repulsive, instinctual response to those from different cultures, a response that is frequently fearful, bigoted and ignorant. Further, in the article, the question of what is good for the economy is presented as a pre-given, sacrosanct notion upon which immigration decisions should be made. My condensed view: The dreamers should be given citizenship; they were children; they are us.

Asylum should be given to those in true danger and in severe need — "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning, etc." Legal immigration should be stopped. Population growth is destroying our ecology, and we need to lower our numbers. If we don't, America will be that shining city on a hill surrounded by an enormous slum. Historically, those we embrace in compassion and concern become great Americans, neighbors of integrity and gratitude, and not the investor class nor skilled worker yearning to get richer.

I would end with a simple question: What if we were to save the health of the planet and the future of our grandchildren and didn't make money doing it? Could we sell that idea to a selfish people?

Two Sept. 4 letters pertaining to the Highland Park neighborhood's Ford site evidenced great zeal for the project based on the fact that "there will be a St. Paul population surge over the next 20 years" and "an even greater demand for housing." St. Paul's planning department has projected that the total value of the completed Ford site will be $1.4 billion. That sounds exciting.

However, since the projected development will require $275 million of taxpayer money and will need to be filled to pay off this debt, it requires some due diligence that St. Paul's citizens can begin on their own by determining if there will, in fact, be a population surge. The U.S. Census Bureau is probably in the best position to help us here, and its response is a clear "no." The primary cities in our metropolitan area, based on 2016 figures, are experiencing zero growth relative to suburbs (William H. Frey, Analysis of Census Bureau Estimates 2015-2016, released May 25). So, there's no surge. But maybe there's a shortage of rental units, which will justify adding 4,000 at the Ford site. Again, the answer is "no." The number of new units coming online in the next few years has some people talking about a commercial real estate bubble.

So, how about retail? The plan includes several six- and seven-story buildings with space dedicated to light industry, office space and retail. To answer this question, visit any shopping center, strip mall or even the intersection of Nicollet Mall and S. 7th Street in Minneapolis. The reason those opposed to the Ford site say "Stop the Ford Plan" is because the planning department and those who support its plan have clearly not done their homework. This is not an emotional issue; it must be based on facts.

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If you are wondering how residents in Highland Park and the greater Third Ward feel about the city's Ford plan, I invite you to drive through the area. "Stop the Ford Plan" signs are all over the affected neighborhoods. There are literally hundreds of signs in residents' front yards.

In addition, approximately 250 of the 300-plus people attending Council Member Chris Tolbert's town-hall meeting were against the plan. Based on public record, 58 percent of the comments to the St. Paul Planning Commission were against the plan, with just 34 percent in favor. At a Highland District Council meeting, no letters were received in favor, while 50-plus letters were opposed to the plan. And approximately 1,700 area residents have signed a petition opposed to the plan.

The majority of residents don't want the City Council to approve this plan. This issue has divided the community, pitting neighbors against one another and straining friendships.

It doesn't have to be this way. Both sides agree on the need and opportunity to develop the Ford site into a wonderful mix of affordable multifamily housing, businesses, retail and green space. The issue is population density that is far too great for the site. And the city's lack of an efficient transportation plan to move 7,500-plus people with up to 30,000 additional daily car trips is irresponsible.

Please take the responsible and prudent leadership action you were voted into office to uphold by either voting "no" or postponing the Ford plan vote until a new mayoral leadership team is in office and willing to review this important public planning decision without bias. A delay will allow for significantly better public planning and a better product outcome, and will go a long way toward healing a divided community.

A Sept. 2 commentary by five diverse writers argues that our Minnesota senators are doing the right thing in holding up the nomination of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Stras to the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ("We need transparency and diversity, not rubber stamp"). Even though Stras may be "an excellent candidate standing alone," the writers say he will not bring "diversity" or a "diverse" life experience to the court. They use "diversity" or lack of "diverse" experiences 14 times.

We should all recognize this argument for what it is. Over a 40-year career in academics, I have seen the value of "diversity" asserted time and again. It has grown to become a God-word to academics and a code word in hiring decisions. The translation is white males need not apply. If that is a reason our senators are holding up the nomination, they should move forward apace.