We routinely allow commercial endeavors on the property. Everything from trade shows, to hockey to concerts. There is always a question of where the line is between the public good and opportunity to use park land for commercial gain. A privately held entity months ago began seeking investors for an indoor tennis court which would be built on City property now used for equestrian events. There apparently was an assumption Heaven and Earth moved be moved when the time came to seek approval.
That is why there is a high bar to turning over control of real property now designated as park land. The City of Watertown would have to determine such a move is in the public interest and then request home rule legislation from Albany to allow for lease of the land. That was done some years back for the former Ultimate Goal fitness center now owned by the Y. It's not a perfunctory process, and the process clearly starts with the local government's request.
I was puzzled Monday when a collegue told me this matter was never brought to City Council because those advocating it were just simple folk who didn't understand the intricacies of dealing with City Hall. Apparently Council Members Burns, Macaluso and I were among those intricacies.
Poppycock. The people involved are among the most intelligent, and politically saavy people in the community. There was no naivete here.
Watertown Daily Times | Y indoor tennis courts needs Watertown City Council, state approvals
14 comments:
Once again, the Mayor of this city wants to stand in the way of this city's ability to provide recreation for its citizens.
If it was a bar or a bikini clad woman the Mayor would be in favor of this. When will the residents elect people with some values?
How many people can play tennis at one time? Doesn't sound like the people-using/SQFT ratio is very good for tennis.
I posted 1024 as its typical of the type of attack used in politics today. Personal.
But to your point on support for recreation, I might refer you to the record and my advocacy for getting the hockey team and my leadership in getting Council to commit to $4M in Area improvements on Monday.
By the way, I am participating in our children's reading program this Friday if 1024 would like to come to the Park at 10AM, I will set aside a Dr. Seuss book for him.
Cheers.
This ranks up there with spending money for airports for a handful of private airplane owners. Probably the Stepford wives of the private plane owners will be the ones playing tennis.
On that point, Mr Mayor- the tennis endeavor will require NO cash from the city. The group is raising money privately that it will then DONATE to the Y which would then build the building extension.
The reason no one has asked the city to start the long and difficult process of approval is that it is long and difficult, and to date, not enough money has been raised. If they had asked you, you would be complaining that they put the cart before the horse. Your criticism is not in the spirit of getting things done, it's only purpose is to remind all of us how important the government is.
I hope they properly genuflect when the time comes, so that you, Burns and Macaluso will be so generous as to approve what would amount to a private sector gift.
In light of what Davidson paid for the car wash lot and Redwood bank paid for their property, it sounds like 2:35 is rather oblivious as to what she is going to be asking the mayor and council members to give away for free. Too bad it's too loud in the bowling ally to brag about what law school her grand kids are barely passing, otherwise a lot of non-profit money could be saved, and used for those more deserving.
Tennis vs horses.......
Compromise and put in a polo field
People, its tennis courts, its good, why does it always turn into politics and name calling. We call for smaller government, then this stuff happens. If the taxpayers aren't paying for it, by all means, get it done.
Another business on tax free property. Can we put a Wegman's on the Fairgrounds ?
“Poppycock. The people involved are among the most intelligent, and politically saavy people in the community. There was no naivete here”
Bwahaha, good one mayor, I laughed so hard I nearly peed myself!! No one could ever accuse you of not having a sense of humor; you’re a regular Henny Youngman!
Face it. Every project we have ever had in this city that's free always ends out costing thousands more then anyone wanted to pay. Always. THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH PEOPLE!
Didnt this happen when Ultimate Goal was built, a 40 year absence of being on the tax rolls? Now its owned by the Y............Well you know the rest. Sounds like day care bldg. on Washington St.
“THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH PEOPLE!”
Apparently you haven’t been to Sam’s Club on ‘Free Sample” day.
Love your blog! At least if it's indoors it won't require as much tennis court cleaning!
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