08/13/1979 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council agreed that, although they had had a previous public hearing - on this issue as a resolution, they were obligated to start over with a p~blic hearing on this issue as an ordinance. The Council agreed to discuss this issue again. Ms. Smith said that since she was opposed to this ordinance before, she was not anxious to rehear the arguments. Mayor noted that he had scheduled this item as a public hearing. No ex parte contacts or conflicts of interest were declared by the Councilors. Staff notes and minutes were entered into the record. Public hearing was opened. Those citizens in favor of the ordinance testified. Gary S,ivak, 1350 Bailey Avenue, said nothing had changed since the Counci passed the resolution. It is still necessary to have a park in the area. It is necessary for the revitalization of the Blair district. People in the Whiteaker neighborhood are still in favor of having a park there. Those citizens against the ordinance testified. Dale Scobert, 1202 Dondea, said this was the fourth time this issue e had been brought up. It has been going for two-and-one-half years. With Monroe Park, Washington-Jefferson Park, Sladden Park within six blocks, there is no need for another park. There are dangerous problems in the area; frequently vagrants are on the property. He has made numerous arrests. He said there are 3,500 seniors in the city that need housing. This is what they wished to do with the property. The City has forced us into court, he said, in order to save our land. He indicated their family has owned the land since 1916. The issue is still in the court. The City is now looking at the whole block. He asked where are the citizens who are crying for a park. The City h~s imposed financial and emotional burdens upon his family. The court case is still going. He asked the Council to either postpone the condemnation or to drop it. Thomas Martin, 3620 Emerald, produced a copy of a memorandum to Keith Martin from Ed Smith, dated November 1, 1978, that said the project was initiated by Whiteaker Community Council through their CD project request in 1976. Subsequently, HCC assigned this project to be initiated through that department. The Scobert property was con- sidered first and then other sites were researched. Mr. Martin said that in the published minutes of the Whiteaker Community Council, April 12, it said the results of the Blair group meeting on the park site was related to the Council (Whiteaker Community Council). They e ~45 8/13/79--17