Parks vs The Met?

Recognizing that the number of parks in the City of Fresno was well below the national and state average, Mayor Autry, the City Council (disclosure: I was a member at that time), and a blue ribbon citizen commission spent considerable time, effort and money to develop a multi-year plan for significantly upgrading existing parks and adding at least eight more. The visionary plan (more than $30 million dollars when fully developed), was approved by the Council in 2005.

Implementing the plan has resulted in the improvement of some existing parks. Also, at least two new parks, such as the one in my former council district on Figarden Loop in Northwest Fresno, are under construction.

My concern, however, is that the multi-million dollar Met and Granite Park mess will derail plans for further improvment of existing parks or developing much-needed new ones. This is not to criticize Mayor Swearengin or the council members since no one anticipated their default on City-backed loans. Also unanticipated was the current economic crisis facing California, which requires Fresno to be prudent in its spending.

I would encourage City leaders to not abandon the 2005 park plan but instead move forward cautiously with a scaled-down park improvement program. Once something stops, it is very difficult to start-up again.

A growing, vibrant Fresno needs an expanded park system.

Coming Soon. . .

1). City taxpayers guarantee another business loan?
2). What about a flat rate tax for California?

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