I work in the industry. I am more than aware of the pull developers have.
My point still stands. If you believe in zoning as a mechanism to get the development you want, be aware that developers will use the exact same system to get what they want.
You can’t have it both ways.
And how is the general public supposed to compete with a developer in the development process? What is the public supposed to do, show up to a planning commission meeting for public comment? You know the deal is done before it ever gets to the planning commission.
Try getting the details from the city prior to the public notice of the planning commission meeting. The public has no chance.