HOLD THE MONEY>>> NO JACOBSEN BAIL OUT

Grand Terrace looking for funds to build new park
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/01/2010 05:32:48 PM PST
San Bernardino Sun

GRAND TERRACE - The city is applying for a state grant to build a three-acre park west of the 215 Freeway.
Officials have identified an empty lot on Grand Terrace Road between Barton Road and Vivienda Avenue for the proposed park.
The City Council passed a resolution last week in support of the grant proposal.
The city is applying for funds under Proposition 84, a bond measure approved by California voters in 2006.
"Our chances of getting the grant are very good because we do not have enough active parks," Councilwoman Bea Cortes said.
The city will know in September whether the request is approved.
"We are going to proceed with caution," Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia said. "We are going to see if we are fortunate enough to get the grant. If we get it, we will have to revisit the idea to make sure we have the resources to maintain it and meet the needs of the surrounding neighbors."
The city plans to seek about $1.3 million to pay for land acquisition, design and construction.
The $50,000 annual maintenance cost would be a city expense.
The park design calls for water-efficient irrigation systems and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Possible amenities include a playground, walking path and sport courts.

HOLD IT A MINUTE:
How Much is Doug Jacobsen's Cut for the Land? I am against paying him more than 1.00 for the land he should have developed into low and moderate income housing he removed, on Barton Rd and Michigan. 1.3 Million will not cover the needed road repairs of Grand Terrace RD. Nor will it pay for the required sewage connections, restrooms, and all that will be needed.

In addition, where will the operations funds come from? Will the park have security cameras, monitored by who? Will the park have lighting to be paid for? Will the park allow dogs?

The city and the RDA already own property why not use grant money to develop a park on already owned property?

Why build a park where the Freeway Expansion may take a portion if not all of the park's usefulness? Do you want your kids playing adjacent to an off ramp?

If the grant is approved there should be an investigation all the way through the process to see how Jacobsen Pulled this off. The State has no money, and the city has no money to do this development right. The only one getting something out of this deal is Doug (Threaten you with Eminent Domain via Schwab) Jacobsen.