Ben Haber testifies at CB8 Parks Committee
Committee cites ability of USTA to renovate within its existing footprint, and failure of USTA to specify any dollar value of give-backs
Last night, Ben Haber, Joseph Ardizzone and Robert LoScalzo of Save FMCP (among others) attended the CB8 committee meeting re: the proposed USTA expansion.
After hearing the USTA presentation and the public testimony, the committee questioned USTA and discussed. The ideas expressed included that USTA is perfectly capable of renovating its facilities within its existing footprint, without further encroachment into parkland; and that if USTA would be given additional parkland, it has committed to absolutely nothing in exchange. A committee member plainly told USTA:
In a very exciting turn of events, the roll was called and THE VOTE WAS EVENLY SPLIT -- 4 in favor and 4 opposed. There was no further motion.
CB8 will hold a full board meeting on March 13, at which the public will have another opportunity to speak; and then the full board will vote.
Last night, Ben Haber, Joseph Ardizzone and Robert LoScalzo of Save FMCP (among others) attended the CB8 committee meeting re: the proposed USTA expansion.
After hearing the USTA presentation and the public testimony, the committee questioned USTA and discussed. The ideas expressed included that USTA is perfectly capable of renovating its facilities within its existing footprint, without further encroachment into parkland; and that if USTA would be given additional parkland, it has committed to absolutely nothing in exchange. A committee member plainly told USTA:
- You've budgeted the project and must know what each component will cost; and yet you are completely unwilling to specify any budget for park improvements as compensation for the additional parkland you seek.
In a very exciting turn of events, the roll was called and THE VOTE WAS EVENLY SPLIT -- 4 in favor and 4 opposed. There was no further motion.
CB8 will hold a full board meeting on March 13, at which the public will have another opportunity to speak; and then the full board will vote.
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