October 5, 2006

No one speaks on behalf of The Spot at Sept. 30 facility reuse meeting

The city’s Community Services Division of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services held a meeting Sept. 30 to discuss re-use for several facilities in Council Districts 10, 9, 6 and 1. One discussion group should have been for The Spot Youth Center, located at Bret Harte Middle School, but no one from the area showed up.

The meeting was designed to get community feedback to present at a study session with the City Council on Friday, Dec. 8. Parents of students using The Spot are encouraged to come to the last public comment session on Oct. 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alum Rock Youth Center, 137 North White Road. That meeting will be identical to the Sept. 30 meeting.

As on Sept. 30, those attending the Oct. 5 meeting will receive a brief overview of the facility re-use strategy. They then will divide into facility groups to answer four questions. The first question deals with whether PRNS captured the points of interest and recommendations from the meetings held last spring. The second asks about the feasibility of potential alternative uses for facilities and which option [local neighborhood association use, transition to a community based organization for operation; continued PRNS operation, convert the facility to open space or park] is most preferred.

The third question asks what services a community-based organization should supply, whether nonprofit or neighborhood providers. And, finally, what impacts the re-use facilities would have on the neighborhood including public safety, recreation services and continued usefulness as well as restroom usage.

During public comment, several of those attending the Sept. 30 session spoke out. One asked how the city can have money for everything else—including $4 million for a race—but not for their own citizen’s local recreation. “This is ridiculous!” she said.

Another commented that city council members tricked voters. “They’re building big community centers within the community but not within walking distance of many of the people,” said Lisa Weiland, who with neighbors is looking to keep amenities such as restrooms and equipment rooms at Bramhall Park in Willow Glen.

Those unable to attend meetings are encouraged to check the Web site—www.sanjoseca.gov and click on Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services—to find out more or to send an e-mail to make their feelings
known.

The Dec. 8 meeting with council members is a study session and the public is welcome. Previous public comments will be added to the recent ones. PRNS will be conducting building, fiscal, public safety and cost analyses for its final report.