Trying for Political Favor: Ferre Supports Dog Park

Stephen Wall again gets the story wrong.
The Property "Acquired" by the city was condemned unsafe as it was preparing to tumble down the Cliff. The demolition was required to relieve the surface weight of the pool and house slab. The City paid for the property and the demolition. The former property owner received more than market value for property that cant or should not be built on. Recall the public statements of concern about the demolition equipment being operated in a way that it did not collapse the hill side onto the road below.

What the city is trying to do is take a lemon and turn it into lemonade. This is not a bad thing. But say what is true. Don't pretend that the underlying purpose of the purchase was to provide space for a dog park. That was not the motivation in the purchase. IF it were the prior property owner may be able to have a legal action against the city's condemnation of the property and the process the city used to acquire the land.

What you have here is a piece of property that is not suitable for building a replacement home upon it. What you have here is a piece of property that should not be irrigated or watered excessively. What you have here is a piece of property that will need expensive fencing for safety of anyone visiting it. The Cliff Line is always shifting. (Just look at the dirt below).

Mulch will still need to be weeded. The existing trees should be reserved and pruned. Trees cut down should provide wood for benches or other features.

Why does Mr. Wall work so hard to make the City Council and the Mayor look better than they really are?

I support a dog park, but why does Mr. Wall have to swallow the pretence of the City's Mayor. Her statements exaggerate the Credit Due to the City Council and Redevelopment Agency. IF the property had any other possible use, KNOW FOR SURE. the dog park would not be the use of the land.

(Source: San Bernardino County Sun)By Stephen Wall, San Bernardino County Sun, Calif.
Apr. 15--GRAND TERRACE -- The city is moving forward with plans for a dog park.

The Redevelopment Agency spent about $60,000 to purchase a 15,000-square-foot site for the park. The city took title to the property in May.
Officials want the community's help to raise money to buy play equipment such as hurdles and teeter totters, as well as people benches and a water fountain for dogs.
A fundraising kickoff event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon April 24 at the proposed park site, 22720 Vista Grande Way.
Mayor Maryetta Ferre said the lot is the perfect size to have separate play areas for large and small dogs.
The property is on a hill with a beautiful view of the valley below, she said.
An abandoned home, detached garage and swimming pool that were demolished to make way for the park, officials said.
Joyce Powers, the city's community and economic development director, came up with the idea for the park.
"It's just to provide an additional community amenity," Powers said. "I like dogs. I like to see dogs have fun."
Powers said the city wants to keep maintenance costs down by using mulch covering rather than planting grass and purchasing "extra sturdy" equipment.
Ferre said the Foundation of Grand Terrace at one time tried to find property for a dog park, but it never happened.
-----