Indiana

Park It!

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Some local activists are furious over the thought that Mayor Greg Ballard is considering selling some of the city’s smaller parks (2 acres or less) to developers.

Despite the fact this is part of an effort for the city to get its arms around the more than 6,000 parcels of land it owns, and the facts the parks have been running a $4 million deficit.

Say what you will about whether it is a good idea for the city to sell off some of its more costly greenspace, but might I offer a suggestion. If the city wants to get rid of some of its properties and the activists don’t want it to private developers, then might I suggest the city give the parks to the activists?

The activists can form a not-for-profit and the city can sell (for $1) or transfer title to them. There can also be included in the contracts a clause that if the parks deteriorate the land reverts back to the city which it can then sell to a developer.

I frankly don’t see how hard this is.  If the local activists truly believe these properties are worth saving, then they should not have a problem putting actions behind their words and take over the management of these smaller greenspaces.

And since the parks will no longer be on the property tax rolls, Marion County taxpayers will get a break.

Everyone wins under this scenario.  And since I can’t believe we are even having this discussion, let’s take things out of park and get it in gear!

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on August 18, 2008 (boomark / email).