The City Commission is Sending Mixed Messages About East Side Development
The Gainesville City Commission is sending mixed messages about their plans to develop the east side of our city.
From the beginning, our Commissioners have had no problem saddling taxpayers with the over 3 million dollar tab for Ironwood Golf Course. Citizens clamored for the city to cut its losses and come up with a more fiscally responsible plan. Our Commissioners’ reply was, “Selling isn’t a viable option, show us a better solution and we’ll take it”.
Astoundingly, the Commission compounded the enormous debt by voting to “refurbish” Ironwood; reasoning an additional 1.1 million dollar expenditure would ultimately help cut losses. Isn’t that how you balance your checkbook? Our Commissioners openly admit that Ironwood is never expected to sustain itself; they are satisfied with simply reducing the amount of debt the course incurs each year. An underhanded effort was made to squelch the growing number of citizen complaints and camouflage losses by shuffling Ironwood’s classification from a city owned business to that of parks and recreation. Brilliant!
Recently a ray of fiscal hope appeared when a developer applied to build an upscale neighborhood around Ironwood. This effort would create good paying jobs and bring real economic growth to the area while supplying the fighting chance Ironwood needs. Scherwin Henry supported the measure and is to be applauded. However, the remainder of the Commission chose to stick with their self-imposed anti-growth agenda which perhaps smacks a bit of residential profiling by voting to block the proposition. Many east side residents are small business owners and would enjoy housing options that include newer, energy efficient homes. Aren’t east side residents entitled to the better housing options this neighborhood would supply?
Meanwhile, the Commission increased numerous taxes and fees around the city in the face of a struggling economy.
References:
City commission votes down Hatchet Creek development (Gainesville Sun)
City Commission OKs tax hike, rate increases (Gainesville Sun)
Robert Krames
Gainesville Resident
