1999-04-07 Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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�. � � , Petition to the P'arks and Recreatio� Corrimittee and �he City of Centerviile To: Parks and Recreation Committee City of Centerville From: Wayne LeBlanc Date: March 29, 1999 T1us is a petition from Wayne LeBianc to follow throu�h with plans described a few years a�o. I attach a copy of a relevant pa;e to describe the petition. Plans called for a park in the northwest section of Centervi(Ie (see attached map j where there is a current c3evelopment project (I,akeland Hills, I believe). This area of Centenrilte drastically needs a park. If a park is already planned in that area, I humbfy withdraw the request. Before addressing this specifrc item, let me suggest that Centerville adopt a vision, a goal of having a park within'h mile of every residence (this is a goal that may not be achieved for every residence, obviously). That woutd mean ttcat there should be a park about every mile. This is a modest request, not a lot to ask, I would suggest. This specific petition would almost achieve the goal of a park for residents within a',! mile. It should be located at the back of the schaol to provide a park and to provide people access from the northwest area of the city to the school, and, in � addition, to the downtown area. Currently, pec�ple in the northwest side of the city, even if they are physically only a black or �, two from do��s�ntown, have to walk or ride a bicycle oaer a mile to get to downtown. They have to go either around on Mill ! road or face the "freeway" craffic of County 14. The only safe way is to travel the Mill road route. I When we first moved to Centervilie in 1979, we were told there would be park in the development west of Clearwater l i Creek. No park emerged. Why? Then, when Lakeland Hills went in, again there seems to be no park emerQing, and, in � addition, no consideration given to school children who couid easily walk to the back of the school from that development. I Why? This is basic planning that, in fact, was already proposed to the city. I I am disappointed that the City of Centerville, in the past, seems to have put developers first, and the people of Centen�ille I I offthe list. There has also apparently been a case where an special exception has been made regarding the sale of property � and allocation for park resources. This is not a good example to set. It only further demonstrates that lack of rega: d for i ordinances and the people of Centerville. I i i suggest the City of Centervil(e adopt a policy that ail NEW development have NO VARTANCES. There is no reason for a ' vari� for I`TEW de�jelopment. If there is a problem with a particular lot, then it is a PARK. Centerville is starved for open space. Absolutely every square foot of space that can be developed is being developed. The peopte of Centerville need open spaces. If a developer dislikes the no variances policy, they can go elsewhere, Cente: ville doesn't need them. With the design team and other activities, I see a real change in the action of the City. I am very pleased to see these changes. I have been very impressed with EVERYONE. I am delighted to live here and consider its people some of the best. I also consider the City government to be exceptional and am proud to be a part of the design team activities. I am hopeful that something mi;ht be done about a park and school access in the nortkwest section of Centenrille. Thank you. Sincerely, 'YV� r`" � Wayne LeBlanc 1