Indeed. In a situation where the people who have been elected operate in a way that benefits corporations or special interests rather than the people who have

Indeed. In a situation where the people who have been elected operate in a way that benefits corporations or special interests rather than the people who have elected them, there has to be some way for the people to override the decisions. That's what the referendum process is for. Similarly, a private right of action is meant to deal with situations when the city isn't willing to act. The article makes valid points about the downsides of this, but it's also an accountability mechanism. Should it apply in this case? Seems like a good question for the voters.