Browse archives: 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995

Published on 04/06/1998 All articles from this issue

Zaner, council step up with park funding

printer friendly version

Editorial

When it comes to parks and recreation, the City of Los Altos is starting to put its money where its collective mouth is.

The council last week allocated approximately 75 percent of the city's $1.12 million surplus to oft-discussed, but under-financed park projects.

The surplus, which came about because of careful planning in the past years and the current thriving economy, is being spent wisely under the assertive direction of new interim city manager Bill Zaner.

About $711,000 of the money will go toward setting the foundation for recreation facilities at a 5.5-acre city-owned site on Rosita Avenue. The money will go to razing the former St. William School classrooms and convent buildings, grading and returfing fields at the site. The work would provide 3.5 acres for two soccer fields and a ball field.

Zaner, a former Palo Alto city manager, made his presence felt at last week's efficiently run council meeting when he convinced council that funding had to be approved now so that planting could begin in the fall and fields could be ready for 1999 spring play.

And, after years of nothing being done to address the high-profile weed patch at Edith Avenue and San Antonio Road, the council last week decided to fund the remaining $139,000 needed to implement a landscaping plan approved at the Feb. 24 council meeting.

The initial talk was that the city would fund only $35,000 for the plan and that local fund-raising might take care of the remaining costs. But, as we opined in a March 18 editorial, costs rise the longer the work is delayed. And with years of inaction, who's to say we wouldn't have to wait years longer?

With last week's action, the city can go ahead with an attractive plan for the three-quarter acre property that will include paths, benches, gentle berms and lights. This will be cause for celebration for all Los Altos residents, but especially those of the neighboring Parc Regent senior housing complex, who have been lobbying the city.

Back to the 401 Rosita site: $711,000 is a drop in the bucket compared with the estimated $7.8 million price tag for implementing the master plan. But last week's decision allows for some work to be done and at least puts some fields to use. Residents can still directly benefit from the site even if plans for buildings are years away.

Last month we advised city leaders to "just do it" regarding Edith-San Antonio. We believe all residents thank you!