Dispatch Blast - Council Announces Open Space Deal
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Jim Reardon
Aug 19, 2009, 10:21:53 AM8/19/09
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On 8/19/09 1:47 AM, "The Capistrano Dispatch" <edi...@thecapistranodispatch.com> wrote:
With regard to the governance, we still need to hear the exact details. But on the surface, it would appear that the City Council deliberated this deal illegally in closed session and approved it. I see no suggestion in this blast that the resolution will be placed on a public agenda for public comment, deliberation and a formal vote.
In terms of desirability, it is impossible to be critical of the land; it’s a beautiful property — immaculately maintained by the current leaseholder. But it isn’t what many people imagined when they supported the Open Space Bond last year. Since the leaseholder will remain, it is somewhat illogical to claim the property has been acquired as Open Space for public use. If the City kicks off the leaseholder, then the cost to maintain and operate this facility will fall upon the City. I predict the leaseholder will remain.
Bottom line: The taxpayers will pay $27.5 million to capture a operating sports and recreation venue but it is hardly “Open Space for public use” -- so long as the current uses are maintained.
As for those taxpayers, at least $15,000 will be added to the property tax burden of my modest home in San Juan Capistrano to support just this acquisition. Of course, this money will be spread out over the next three decades and does not include any City operating deficit that may be associated with ownership of the property.
It is difficult to predict how people will react to this news. I never imagined the price would go this high.
CITY BUYS RMV LANDThe City Council, meeting in a second closed session that stretched past 1 a.m., announced early Tuesday that $27.5 million from the open-space bond approved by voters in November will be used to buy 132 acres of Rancho Mission Viejo property at La Pata and Antonio Parkway. The land will be used for equestrian events, sports fields and the annual rodeo. The property will be called the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. There were more details announced, which will be posted on The Dispatch web site in the morning.This seems entirely logical. They spent all the money they had left!
With regard to the governance, we still need to hear the exact details. But on the surface, it would appear that the City Council deliberated this deal illegally in closed session and approved it. I see no suggestion in this blast that the resolution will be placed on a public agenda for public comment, deliberation and a formal vote.
In terms of desirability, it is impossible to be critical of the land; it’s a beautiful property — immaculately maintained by the current leaseholder. But it isn’t what many people imagined when they supported the Open Space Bond last year. Since the leaseholder will remain, it is somewhat illogical to claim the property has been acquired as Open Space for public use. If the City kicks off the leaseholder, then the cost to maintain and operate this facility will fall upon the City. I predict the leaseholder will remain.
Bottom line: The taxpayers will pay $27.5 million to capture a operating sports and recreation venue but it is hardly “Open Space for public use” -- so long as the current uses are maintained.
As for those taxpayers, at least $15,000 will be added to the property tax burden of my modest home in San Juan Capistrano to support just this acquisition. Of course, this money will be spread out over the next three decades and does not include any City operating deficit that may be associated with ownership of the property.
It is difficult to predict how people will react to this news. I never imagined the price would go this high.
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