Activity on Jacobsen/RDA Schwab's Square

There has been some reports of activity on the properties owned by the RDA and Jacobsen. Formerly known as the Town Center Development Area, or Schwab's Square.

City Workers were noted clearing weeds along the frontage of the former trailer/mobile home park on Michigan. This property was purchased by Jacobsen, and part of the deal or obligation was that he was to build a replacement park near Grand Terrace Road. Now there is a back hoe digging up the cement foundation where the trailer park use to be. Neighbors complain of dust abatement not being done as the work is proceeding. Of course this is also a noisy task.

Also noted around town are the many efforts to contain the weeds in empty fields, Edison Lots, and private property. In years past goats, sheep and horses were allowed to do these tasks for us. Most of the citizens prefer the mow it, over the disk it method of abatement as it spares us the dust. However, mowing and leaving the cuttings to dry in the field seems to be a half measure of abatement. Perhaps the city could find a farmer to plant and harvest these small pockets of workable land. 2 birds with one stone kind of a deal.

Weed abatement on the hill sides and slopes around town can only be done with the animal method. A city herd of goats kept as a 4H/Firehouse Joint Project may be a way to help both the children and the Firemen in our community.

The planning is moving forward for an additional park. This time it is located on the property along the canal and on Barton Road. The plan presented contains a very small parking lot off of LaPax and an Amphitheater and an additional Labyrinth. (The City has a Labyrinth at the Petta Park, and at the Catholic Sister's Facility,) I have not heard of traffic jams at either of these facilities. It also is to include a water feature, restroom and some green space and plants.

Here is the rub. IF there is a program at the Amphitheater there is insufficient parking. There is no play area for children, and there is no Snack Bar for the Amphitheater Events. There are no picnic tables or benches through out the park. Except when there is an event the park will be unused. There is no Stage Craft area in the design. A place for scenery and costumes is needed. In addition a place to keep music stands and chairs for musicians is also needed if this facility is intended for use and not just show.

This RDA project does not provide added income to the city and the only jobs it will bring will be more city maintenance crew members. In addition it will increase the cost of repair to facilities.

A park that has sufficient parking for the intended use is important. In addition the city should know that even ADULTS like to get on a swing set some times. Perhaps some one could come up with a design that would generate electricity as the adults provided the power. The city should also think about replacing the fruit and nut trees that were removed from the property and area in their selection of plantings.

In the end it looks like a low cost installation of a "Public" facility that would or could justify the use of Emanate Domain to force Joe Stringfield off of her property so the city could build a parking lot for the "Park". That "Public" parking lot then would be used by Stater Brother's Shoppers and Park Users.

The RDA should not be spending money on a project that increases City's Obligation to maintain it. The RDA should not be spending money that does not directly increase the Sales Tax Revenue to the City. The RDA should not be spending money on development that does not increase the economic pool of resources. Example, low cost housing brings those incomes to the city and thus increases the economic base of the community as low income people spend most of their income in the local area. Where as a park bench that has a minimal use or visitation from existing citizens brings no new economic input to the city.

Joe Stringfield will have every right to require the city to put in a full cement wall dividing the property for noise abatement, if events are going to be amplified.

Remember that the folks offering up this Planned Use have Retail and Commercial Interests as their Clients not the Citizens of Grand Terrace. So get informed.

Email GrandTerraceNews@yahoo.com and request a copy of the plans so far presented and it will be sent to you via email. Most readers have already gotten it in their inbox.

Thanks all for the information and files.