The convoluted logic of the Grand Terrace City Planning, the Grand Terrace Redevelopment Agency, and the City Manager Mr. Thomas J. Schwab would be a bad drama if it were not real. The Town Center Development Project has been resisted by the previous and current residents and land owners of the property. The City Manager has frequently muttered about the potential use of Eminent Domain for the forcing or coercion of property owners to sell the property to the City Redevelopment Agency which will then turn over the Property to a Private Development company. That same Development Company will then charge the City or County for providing space for a public library. A Library, which we now are learning of the monthly rental costs and space limitations.
Could it be that locating the public library on this development is merely additional justification for the suggested use of Eminent Domain should property owners resist the sale and development per the City Manager's plan?
Now: Let's look at the Proposed High School Property Development for a moment. It would be appropriate that the Public Library be located as an adjunct to the High School. The building design could include an out door band stand or similar to Fleming Park in Colton on one end of its structure. Separate Parking for Library Patrons could be provided, and during school events or concerts the combined parking resources could be used. The rent not paid to the City's Chosen Private Developer could go to actual Library Expenses and pay for the construction cost. Let's hope the environmental and safety issues of the proposed site are cleared. Or would it be best to change Town Center, to Town Center High School, Library and Fine Arts and Community Center?
The open consultation of the community, the county library services, the school board site construction planners, and fair minded citizens group of Grand Terrace should be able to develop a high school design which will meet several needs of the community. A collaborative effort to provide services to the students and community being served rather than the convince and profit of the Private Developer.
Half Planned, short sighted and generally uninspired planning and administration has befallen the citizens of Grand Terrace. Perhaps they have even been subjected to fraud which may rise to the level of a crime.
The Town Center has been pitched to the citizens and council as a means to increase sales tax revenue. Library's don't collect sales tax. Rental incomes made by the developer don't add sales tax revenue. The relocation of businesses from one shopping center to another one will not increase sales tax revenue but create empty buildings... blite due to the city's obstructionist development plans and restrictions. Perhaps the city needs to get out of the "Redevelopment" business and let people do with their property what profits them the most.
Any one wishing to provide further data and detail regarding the folly which has befallen the citizens and governance of Grand Terrace may do so by either emailing this sites host, or by posting a comment.
