Steve Berry Negative Speech Against Citizens

Once again Mr. Steve Berry spoke on the behalf of the City Management (Press Enterprise)and presumably the City Council. He addressed the topic of Senior Housing. It is noted in the article that exclusive contracts have been entered into with a developer, yet the project has not been finalized. These two statements seem to be out of sequence to this reader. However, this may be understood, as we the citizens aren't permitted to attend the illegal closed sessions of the Redevelopment Agency, and the Planning commission, and the other back room meetings where the real decisions are made.

The citizens of Grand Terrace are not against Senior Housing as a private venture, on land that was obtained without coercion, or threat of emanate domain being used. Will the city may the speed limit so that all our citizens could drive LEV's or NEV'S (ROAD GOLF CARTS) so that we may all be encouraged to shop inside the city? It would be hoped that a well planed senior housing complex would accommodate the development of intergenerational social ties. Swing Dancing, Square Dancing, Public Library, Chess Masters, and even dare I say it intergenerational Bridge facilities could enhance the community and the senior's life quality.

At no time should a senior feel pushed into a senior home, or apartment. The city should encourage competitive design, and options and operations of any kind of business. The problem is that the city's record of not being open with it's citizens, and perhaps the fact that the roof in the current senior center seems always to be in need of repair does not bode well for a city operated apartment complex or a complex operated by a city selected or RDA selected developer. If the city wants to release a request for development, for a 20-50 year lease of a piece of city property for the purpose of the above, with specific terms and conditions spelled out for the bidders to consider. If there were a truly competitive and qualitative negotiation there would be less resistance to the city's effort to put senior housing on city owned property.

There is also a problem with only providing lower rental rates to a select age group. Yes seniors have a limited income. Many working in our community also have a limited income and can't afford to live in Grand Terrace. These same people are therefore branded as being part of the undesirables, the high risk, or high maintainance type of people Grand Terrace would not want to provide housing for.

The city must learn to be welcoming to all, without being disparaging to any economic, racial, or age group. This is a city that won't give full detail of the crime rate, yet it will promote broad categorical prejudices against younger, lower income people. It is possible this is not the intent, but their words and works do lead to that conclusion.