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Yes by a slim margin
West University Place voters said “Yes” to a $13.8 million municipal bond proposal for improvements to city parks and recreation facilities.
In the final hours of polling, proponents and opponents both anticipated a close vote.
And they were correct. The bond referendum to replace aging amenities passed 51 percent to 49 percent.
Mayor Bob Kelly said the next step will be to meet with planners to determine time table for the demolition, design and construction phases of the improvements.
These include new facilities with more space for youth and senior programs, upgraded playing fields and two pools, one covered for year-round swimming and one that’s seasonal, with diving and attractions appealing to families, plus parking and other components.
The city’s parks and recreation facilities are “not just bricks and mortar,” Kelly said. They add to the sense of community here and amplify home values, as does West University Elementary School.
The slim margin win “should be a message to City Council that what is proposed is not fiscally responsible in this economic environment,” said Susan Ohsfeldt, chairman of Citizens for Responsible Spending for Better Parks.
The group took issue with the need for and scope of the proposed improvements, especially at the Rec Center, and their cost, she said.
Given voter approval to proceed, however, the group will work to “make sure the improvements are scaled back,” she said.
Kelly said work on the improvements would likely be staggered so that Colonial Park’s facilities remain operational while the replacement West U Recreation Center is under development and visa versa.
Funding, meanwhile, will be drawn against the bond “in pieces” and “down the line,” he said, and will take into account changes in property values and the fall-off of the city’s existing bond indebtedness.
Reported by Cynthia Lescalleet
clescalleet@hcnonline.com
In the final hours of polling, proponents and opponents both anticipated a close vote.
And they were correct. The bond referendum to replace aging amenities passed 51 percent to 49 percent.
Mayor Bob Kelly said the next step will be to meet with planners to determine time table for the demolition, design and construction phases of the improvements.
These include new facilities with more space for youth and senior programs, upgraded playing fields and two pools, one covered for year-round swimming and one that’s seasonal, with diving and attractions appealing to families, plus parking and other components.
The city’s parks and recreation facilities are “not just bricks and mortar,” Kelly said. They add to the sense of community here and amplify home values, as does West University Elementary School.
The slim margin win “should be a message to City Council that what is proposed is not fiscally responsible in this economic environment,” said Susan Ohsfeldt, chairman of Citizens for Responsible Spending for Better Parks.
The group took issue with the need for and scope of the proposed improvements, especially at the Rec Center, and their cost, she said.
Given voter approval to proceed, however, the group will work to “make sure the improvements are scaled back,” she said.
Kelly said work on the improvements would likely be staggered so that Colonial Park’s facilities remain operational while the replacement West U Recreation Center is under development and visa versa.
Funding, meanwhile, will be drawn against the bond “in pieces” and “down the line,” he said, and will take into account changes in property values and the fall-off of the city’s existing bond indebtedness.
Reported by Cynthia Lescalleet
clescalleet@hcnonline.com
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95458978 wrote on Nov 5, 2008 9:17 AM:
We were at the Rec center last week for batting practice and it smelled like a septic tank. Our beautiful city deserves to have safe, clean updated facilities.
As far as Ohsfeldt's comment, you changed your tune again...I am glad my kids won't have to see any of your NO signs anymore. A win is a win- even when slim!
YES!
:) "