Hi Melissa,
First, make a list of negative impacts, and also of benefits, that the proposed project will have on the neighborhood. Is the proposed building compatible with neighborhood architecture? Will it generate unmanageable traffic? Will it impact children and/or elderly neighborhhood residents? etc.
Second, contact as many neighbors as time permits and ask them to list their concerns and also to sign a petition opposing the development. Ask them to attend the public hearing and speak their minds. Make certain they know the date time and place of the hearing. If many cannot attend because of work schedules or family responsibilities, their signatures on the petition will be extra important.
Third, contact the public entity holding the public hearing and ask what concerns that entity has about the proposed project. Ask how the hearing process will work and how to sign up to speak. Ask if child care will be available.
Fourth, find out whatever you can about the developer, his/her past projects, and their impacts on their neighbors. Your city planning department may give you leads, and also ask the department to explain "mitigation" requirements to you - if any apply.
Fifth, contact your local elected officials and tell them your concerns. Ask them to help.
Finally, go to the hearing and speak. Focus on whatever facts and impacts you and neighbors have identified. Be direct but respectful of the hearing process. If there are impacts that need to be mitigated, identify them clearly and ask that the developer's plans include commitments to implement those mitigations, before final approval.
You may find some helpful information in Chapter 4 (Community Assessment) of our Table of Contents (Under the Learn a Skill graphic), particularly section 3 on generating public support and section 5 on making presentations.
Frankly, you are between a rock and a hard place. Developers often give little notice, in order to minimize expressions of opposition. I hope the above suggestions are helpful and that you have success.
