The titles just mention professional services contracts for soil testing at $6,595 and environmental "site investigation" services at $7,815. Checking documents in the council packet at the Plainfield Public Library Saturday revealed the ultimate goal for the site at 301-327 East Fourth Street.
There are 43 resolutions and two ordinances on Monday's agenda and several discussion items, so it is unlikely that these two contracts will engender much talk, but they certainly set off a lot of questions in this writer's mind. For one, these contracts are only preliminaries to a project. Given the surprise trajectory of other recreation-related projects such as the Joe Black Field concession stand and the Bryant Park rest room, what kind of overall cost might be involved in clearing the site and building a skateboard park?
I don't recall ever hearing a comprehensive overview of recreation programs, although the City Council tried to get metrics on costs and usage. What state are the city's three pools in? How many residents, both children and adults take part in existing programs and are all fields ready for playing season? Maybe these questions should be answered before embarking on a new project.
And how was it determined that a skateboard park here is needed or desired? There are quite a few young skateboarders around, but what might they think of this location between the railroad tracks and homes where residents may not be enthralled with the sound of ollies and nosegrinds.? Did anyone ask skateboarders or residents about this project?
Perhaps all these questions have valid answers. But at least some of them should be asked before things get too far along.
--Bernice
The question Bernice is:
ReplyDeleteWas the skate board park approved as a capital improvement project, if so, when did it happen?
The Skateboard Park Study was included on the preliminary 2013 Capital Budget as part of projects on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and was slated for $35,000. To my knowledge the council has not even approved the CIP to this date.
I believe it would be the Department of Public Works and Urban Development the one to advance this project. If I would to ask anyone about how this plan is in the agenda for Monday it would have to be Mr. Jackson. And must likely there is paper trail that can be followed.
The skateboard park is needed. And skateboarders were in meetings with the mayor last year. But as of last week the skaters (I happen to know their group) had not been contacted by the city. Can you say is election year? Fortunately, skateboarders know better and are a strong group of independent thinkers.
Thanks! After the concession stand fiasco I just want the council to be aware of the full scope of this project when they vote.
DeleteIf the council hasn't even approved the CIP yet, how can they possibly go ahead and approve contracts for the site?
ReplyDeleteI disagree. We do not need a skateboard park- another place where unsupervised kids can gather, drugs can be passed and gangs can congregate.
ReplyDeleteWhat about an afterschool program to help kids read, or one where business people mentor kids, or how about a program that teaches kids who have no home support some self esteem.
This town's priorities have nothing to do with making this town, the children, or the community better. It has to do with contracts, politics, and power.
A skateboard park is needed as is other structured recreation for our youth. But if it never comes to be, will that eyesore be allowed to stay? I ride Roosevelt Ave almost daily and have often wondered how it is allowed to look like that, especially so close to the Police station AND City Hall. Code enforcement will cite a resident in a heartbeat for less, but since the city property, I guess it's ok. Basically, those are abandoned cars,city cars at that.
ReplyDeleteWe do need a skateboard park for kids and not every kid needs to be monitored, but regular ride-bys or walks by the police would be enough. It would be preferable in an area less residential, but if not, then have a curfew from 9 a.m. to dusk and have the police or the recreation department lock it up after hours.
ReplyDeleteOur kids need places to go instead of gangs, so let's give them something. We certainly haven't gotten anything from the Robinson-Briggs administration but grief over the past seven years. We don't even know how much recreation costs the city and how much is poorly spent or pocketed. It will be nice to have someone in office who doesn't feel a need to hide things from the public.