The only information architect Bruce Cantrell offered in a quick AV-change break between two other presentations concerned the construction timetable - Phase I consisting of demolition, relocation of utilities (i.e., tearing up surrounding streets and sidewalks), and grading will begin on July 5 and last about 60 days. Construction on the fountain, pavilion, and sidewalks would begin in August-September in an effort to have the park open and operational within the next year. We were told if we had questions or wanted further details, we could review the plans in the Action Greensboro office at any time. That was it, and we moved on with other items on the agenda.
But it turns out, that wasn't the end of the discussion. Council member Tom Phillips was out of the room at the time of Mr. Cantrell's quick presentation and did not know it had occurred. At the end of our meeting, he asked why we weren't having the Center City Park presentation. I whispered to him that it was done while he was out of the room but that he hadn't really missed anything because our questions were not addressed and construction would begin immediately after the Fun Fourth was finished. Then things got REALLY interesting.
Tom rightly pointed out that it would be foolish to proceed to tear up city streets when the various issues had not been resolved up front. If things grind to a halt to work out details, the public would be greatly inconvenienced. I noted that Action Greensboro needs to know details of the city's commitment lest the council decide upon lower amounts than AG is expecting and find themselves in a situation where they don't have enough funding to operate the park as anticipated. The mayor and Deputy Manager Mitchell Johnson got involved in our conversation, with the mayor agreeing that we needed these answers sooner rather than later. Mitch told us a consultant is working on these issues, but the information is not ready yet.
Bottom line, there will now be a special briefing session scheduled for July 12 to review the situation and get these questions answered BEFORE things proceed beyond the point of no return. That makes me feel much better, as I had the distinct impression of being railroaded and being told in the future "Oops, it's too late to do anything now." Hopefully this July 12 meeting will produce the needed answers so everyone is clear about what obligations - if any - the city will accept or fund in the operation of this park. Stay tuned!
16 comments:
Hi Sandy,
Are property taxes paid on the park?
The lack of information was probably intentional. If you ask too many questions (and get them answered) you might find out that you are being sold yet another "pig in a poke" by DGI. That lot isn't the most forthcoming bunch I've seen. They will stick you with unforseen costs if they get half a chance.
As I drive past the park, I wonder why do anything else? Even before they let the grass die, it was nice and peaceful. People sitting on the few benches and tables.
Why does it need to be improved RIGHT away? Let it grow and give future generations an opportunity to improve on it.
Don Moore
Thanks for at least being willing to ask some questions to get agreement before a project proceeds. Too many people just go along with things because they're presented by "experts" without thinking things through.
Roch,
Budget Director Larry Davis is double-checking on this for me, but he says if the park is owned by a non-profit (Action Greensboro), then no taxes are assessed or collected on this property.
It just makes sense to get the questions answered and concerns addressed BEFORE actual construction and street disruption begins to avoid any unpleasant surprises for the City or Action Greensboro.
Don,
I do know there were extensive opportunities for the public to participate in the development of the park design. So the features that are to be included is what citizens said they wanted to have there.
So who runs Greensboro anyway? Is it Mayor Holiday and the City Council or Action Greensboro?
I think it's time the council reminded Action Greensboro that we didn't elect Action Greensboro to anything.
bloggingpoet,
Good point. But then, the City Council WILL have the final say in how much - if any - city funding support will be committed for maintenance and operations of the park (as well as which - if any - Action Greensboro and DGI proposals will make in into the 2006 bond referendum package.
Roch,
Here's the final answer from Finance Director Rick Lusk to your question about property taxes on Center City Park:
As long as the property has a non-profit use, it will not owe property tax. Alternatively, the new baseball stadium, owned by a non-profit, will be subject to paying property taxes since it has a for-profit use.
Thanks, Sandy.
Billy, Action Greensboro and the Mayor run this city.
If you thought you were being railroaded, why didn't you ask questions during the meeting instead of waiting until another person brought it up after the meeting?
Sandy,
If the demolition ["tearing up surrounding streets and sidewalks), and grading will begin on July 5 and last about 60 days."] starts on 7/5 and the City Council won't get an update until 7/12 isn't it then TOO LATE to change anything ??? What's the point ? Did the council issue a stop-work order until 7/12 ?
YES!
Anonymous,
I honestly did not consider the total implications until Tom raised the (very good) point after the meeting. I'm glad he caught it.
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