by Chris Munzing
Democratic councilmen Lenny Remo and Denis Kelly both said they were opposed to the measure, and further angered that they learned about the referendum from a reporter.
If the bond were approved, each household would pay approximately $140 per year during its 30-year life. The city would establish an Environmental Bond Fund exclusively for the acquisition, preservation and protection of land for open space, parking lots and the enhancement of park and recreational facilities, including the replacement of the Long Beach Recreation Center.
Along with the Rec, the foundation block property is being considered for possible development into a park, and private property that could be bought for public use is also being explored. Smaller parcels could be converted into neighborhood "pocket parks," open spaces and parking lots, City Council President Jim Hennessy said.
"People want to preserve open space in this city," Hennessy said. "Whether it be in the West End, the canals, the [president streets] or the Westholme section. This is something that is going to benefit everybody in Long Beach."
Hennessy added that funding priorities for projects would be based on a project's need, its location in the city (to ensure that all areas of the city benefit), the availability of matching funds from the public or private sector, and compatibility with existing and neighboring areas. Councilwoman Mona Goodman said that the $140 fee would help cover approximately $1.1 million of debt service.
"Countywide, people are interested in preserving open spaces," Goodman said. "It can only be a good thing." She added that the coalition modeled the bond after similar bonds in the Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County, both of which passed.
But Kelly said that voting on the $20 million bond is extremely premature given what he called a "weak" budget and the city's poor bond rating. "What would happen if this did pass?" he said. "You would have a huge tax increase. [The coalition] is so short-sighted. They're an embarrassment. They should be thrown out of office as soon as possible. This is just diabolical."
Kelly added that he would like to see all the parks and Recreation Center improvements done, but that it's just not fiscally responsible at this point. "No one should be given this type of slush fund, especially in this city," he added.
Remo said he is worried that the coalition is playing politics by excluding him and Kelly from the planning of the bond, despite their history of advocating for a new Recreation Center. Remo said that he hadn't even heard of the bond until he was contacted by the Herald. "[This is] at the expense of the City of Long Beach," he said. "To exclude two members of the council in the decision-making process does a disservice to the people of the city."
Remo also expressed concern that buying private property and converting it into parks and parking lots would hurt the tax base. "Every one of those parcels will come off the tax rolls," he said. "You mean to tell me that [taking the foundation block off the tax rolls] isn't going to affect the tax base? I'm not buying that. This is so dangerous, it's frightening."
Goodman promised that Kelly and Remo would be included in future decision-making regarding the choice of properties, and added that the city "isn't married to the foundation block." She added, "This bond is not necessarily just for the foundation block. This is a historic thing for Long Beach's future. This is not a political thing."
"This wasn't meant to be divisive," Hennessy said. "We want this to be a collective issue."
In its announcement, the coalition said that the city would use a variety of techniques to acquire the properties, including outright purchase; federal-, state- and county-aided acquisition; private land donations; land trust or private foundation participation, and conservation easements.
If the bond were approved, an Environmental Bond Fund Advisory Committee would advise the City Council on possible projects, and research land for possible acquisition. Each member of the City Council would appoint one member to the five-member committee. The corporation counsel, the commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the commissioner of the Department of Public Works and a representative of the Beautification and Environmental Enhancement Committee would serve as ex officio members.
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