Doug Jacobsen got approval to remove low and moderate income housing elements in Grand Terrace with the help of the Redevelopment Agency under Tom Schwab. Part of the "Deal" was that these housing elements would be replaced specifically the Mobile Home Park that was removed from Michigan was to be replace with a simular sized park on the West Side where other parks are located.
This plan went so far at a minimum of having a plot map filed with the county of San Bernardino's Assessors Office. Now, Jacobsen is trying to off load the housing replacement requirement and the land to the full responcibility of the City and the Redevelopment Agency along with the "Offer to Sell" the land that he and Schwab proposed was to be used to replace those same elements.
The State Park Funds would pay Mr. Jacobsen his money as he bails out of this portion of the "Deal" and not leave the City of Grand Terrace with sufficient funds to complete the design, and build of the proposed public park, that once built would cost an annual operational cost of 50,000.00. Who is happy with this deal. Well Doug Jacobsen would be for one.
As a State Tax Payer, this is not the best use of funds, as a Citizen of Grand Terrace we don't have the local revenue to pay an additional 50,000 per year out of our funds. In addition it still leaves the City and the RDA without the needed low and moderate income housing elements required by the State Land Use Agency.
The City Council should thank the Staff for finding a funding opportunity, but decline the State Offer and the "Deal" to buy the Jacobsen Property. It is a park we can't afford to build, and maintain. It does not answer the question of where the Low and Moderate Income Housing Replacement will be built.
The State should be told thanks but no thanks.
