Council continues discussion about park funding in Plymouth
Park enthusiasts in Plymouth should be celebrating with news that more than 70 percent of those surveyed in a recent poll would support a bond referendum to preserve open space and the purchase of park land.
The Plymouth City Council is mulling over the idea of asking voters for money to purchase land for a community playfield and parcels for the Northwest Greenway Corridor.
In order to gauge the community's backing for an effort, the city paid Decision Resources to survey 400 Plymouth residents.
The results show strong support for a park referendum.
"This referendum looks absolutely fantastic," said Bill Morris, of Decision Resources, at a July 27 work session.
More than 75 percent of those surveyed said in concept they supported the purchase of open space to complete the Greenway.
The Greenway would include a 2.5-mile corridor running between Cheshire Lane on the east and Peony Lane on the west. A trail around the wetlands east of the Wayzata High School is also included.
The survey showed that slightly less but still the vast majority, 72 percent, said they supported in concept the purchase of land for a community playfield.
The city needs $14 million to acquire the land for the playfield and for the Greenway.
The 40-acre playfield is expected to cost about $8 million to acquire and the Greenway is expected to cost about $6 million for 23 acres.
With about $4 million in the city's savings for the playfield land and $350,000 programmed for the Greenway, the city is about $9.6 million short to obtain the land.
The City Council fast-tracked a discussion on the referendum as members talked about opening the northwest corner of the city to development. As that happens, the cost of land is increasing.
Council members who supported the referendum effort point to the idea that this is a one-time opportunity.
"This is the last chance we have. In 20 years this city is going to be developed. This is our chance. We either take it or leave it," said Council Member Ginny Black, who strongly supported taking it.
They also noted the playfield is the last one in the city's plan yet to be completed.
"I think we need to go forward with the referendum. It's a legacy and it's a last chance," said Council Member Bob Stein.
Mayor Judy Johnson expressed the most trepidation about asking voters for the money, although she didn't say she wouldn't support the effort during the meeting.
During door knocking efforts for her bid for state Senate, Johnson said citizens' number one complaint is about roads.
She said she wondered what citizens who already think parks are great would think about spending money on them, when the roads stink.
"It makes me nervous. The ballots are going to be really long," said Johnson, noting another concern.
Morris said it is a double-edged sword in that the current facilities are well used and people are satisfied.
He said the city can focus its message on legacy building and preventing development on the land.
Morris added that opposition to the referendum will likely come from people who already think that taxes are too high.
Of those surveyed, 46 percent consider their taxes to be high compared to neighboring areas.
But Morris assured the council the community is ready for a referendum.
"There is very, very small opposition," said Morris. "Is there a red flag? No, absolutely not."
Although the city would buy the land as quickly as possible if a referendum effort was successful, the city can't afford to develop the playfield until after 2010.
The costs for constructing the playfield are expected to be $6 million, which are budgeted for 2011 and 1012.
After the land is developed for a playfield, it will cost about $400,000 annually to maintain it.
Those surveyed are willing to pay an additional $3 a month in property taxes for the playfield and Greenway.
Morris said the city could safely go up to $9 million in a referendum request.
What specifically that referendum will entail, or if the majority of the council is willing to support it when it comes time to vote, is yet to be known.
With council members Kelli Slavik and Tim Bildsoe not in attendance at last week's work session, the council decided to meet in another work session before members discussed it in an official council meeting.
It was tentatively scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Plymouth City Hall.
The council must decide by Sept. 15 if it wants to move forward with the referendum, and what the precise language will be on the ballot.
Morris said the city would need six weeks to educate voters about the referendum, if the council decides to go forward.