In this mornings paper, front page I might add, is the article about a Central Park in Naples. A future park envisioned by Williams and Arsenault. When I read it, first thing that came out of my mouth was, "Over my dead body!"
So I posted a comment on the NDN site regarding how much our park needs recognized here in District 5 over this park in town. Thankfully, my blogger buddy, swfl_ff, responded that this money would come from the City of Naples, rather than the county. Yes, that is a bit of a relief, but I won't put my guard down as of yet. You never know what happens in Collier when it comes to certain decision making around here.
I also sent out posts and emails to our Commission, to make sure they are aware that District 5's Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park is next priority to be built. Which also had me raise the question to Parks and Rec, asking them how that was going? I do know Barry Williams is working on getting us some grants, as I am still hopelessly waiting on my non-profit status to be recognized for "Friends of Big Corkscrew Island Park, Inc". Once I get that approval, we can start requesting grants as well.
Tell me I am crying wolf due to the fact that this would be City of Naples money, then so be it. But please, everyone understand, if there is any thought of anyone trying to dip their hands into the pot of county park sums, then you better expect me to be there to slap it!
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Comments » 4
swfl_ff writes:
Thanks for the mention Annette. Right now I don't think you have much to worry about. First of all I really don't think this park idea will take off as it would be too expensive to build and maintain. Perhaps some green space there would be nice but over all that property is too valuable not to develop one way or another. It's just a matter of when the economy and market allows it to happen.
Second of all if the City of Naples were to purchase and build a park at that location they would be responsible for the funding.
Over the years the county has shared some funding with the city for some parks and recreation purposes but I do not believe that they share any of the impact fees with the city. The only reason that the county helps with financial support to the city's parks is because the majority of the city park users are county residents and not city residents thus pay no taxes to support the parks operations. In return for the county funds the city allows the county residents to use the recreation programs for the same cost that they charge the city residents.
This is pretty much the same arrangement that the city and county have with beach parking. The county helps support the maintenance costs of the city beaches in return the county residents do not have to pay the parking meters located on the city streets near the beach.
I do agree that you should not let your guard down on the use of impact fees but right now I don't believe that will be an issue. Hopefully the time will come that the county will be able to support your park out there as they should have done years ago instead of sending all the impact fees to the other parts of the county. Unfortunately what impact fees that are currently coming in have to be used to pay off the tremendous debt that the county has run up building facilities in other parts of the county.
TheyPavedParadise2 writes:
I don't think so. Any regional park would be paid for by the County. The City already has a park 1.7 miles away. Watch the local elected officials closely.
AnnetteKniola writes:
Great post, always the informational guy! I learn something new each time you write.
Thank you!
AnnetteKniola writes:
My other Buddy!!
I plan to watch closely, yes indeed.
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