Word today that the City Of Long Beach is considering building a municipal pool must have a few people thinking hard about the approach to the project. The long term costs are considerable, as we've learned in Astoria. We've also learned that once you make this commitment to the community it becomes impossible to back away.
The 3.5 million dollar bequest could lay the groundwork for an aquatic center but wouldn't last long. Establishing a tax base for a new district will be difficult in a community where so many property owners are absentee much of the year. When you own a second home as a weekend getaway you are less likely to vote to increase your expenditures for critical services much less an extra item like a pool. It's been difficult just providing adequate public safety.
Perhaps the better approach would be a smaller facility scaled to the community needs year round that could include a new community center. This might be more useful and more manageable.
I've been out of town so haven't been listening on air. Is this you Tom, and if so, how are you? Many, many people are hoping and praying for your quick and full return to your place at the microphone.
ReplyDeletePlus, the suggestion you make about the Long Beach pool is a good one; they would be very well advised to go carefully into the pool business, even with the funds so nicely donated. Art
Tom,
ReplyDeleteAgreed,
Hopefully Long Beach will learn from Astoria and realize that some grant but poorly planned and executed project like a municipal "acquatics center" will soom become a millstone around the communities neck. A nice little summer pool, like Astoria once had, would be quite adequate and affordable.
Thanks for your great comments and suggestions.