Report on the August 1 Rec. & Parks meeting:
The Recreation and Parks Commission held its supposedly last meeting on the subject of the so-called "renovation" of Roxbury Park at 7 PM on August 1st.
The Council Chamber was almost totally filled with residents from the area surrounding the park, who were going to be deeply affected by what amounted to a plan for the destruction of the only natural park left in Beverly Hills.
Four commission members were present, as well as the consultant and staff. Thirty plus members of the audience spoke--all of them against the proposed demolitions and building of a 365-car two story garage. There were no speakers among the residents in favor and all brought up different major points against the plan. It was unanimous.
Every speaker wanted necessary repairs made and the natural park left alone, as well as disclosure of the cost figures of the various proects, none of which fit into our small park.
The Council Chamber was almost totally filled with residents from the area surrounding the park, who were going to be deeply affected by what amounted to a plan for the destruction of the only natural park left in Beverly Hills.
Four commission members were present, as well as the consultant and staff. Thirty plus members of the audience spoke--all of them against the proposed demolitions and building of a 365-car two story garage. There were no speakers among the residents in favor and all brought up different major points against the plan. It was unanimous.
Every speaker wanted necessary repairs made and the natural park left alone, as well as disclosure of the cost figures of the various proects, none of which fit into our small park.
All the speakers dispayed great feeling and knowledge. They had not been taken in by the misleading description of the project as a "renovation."
Evidently nobody listened to them.
By all appearances, everything was decided before the meeting began. Marc O'Krent took out a previously prepared statement that was in total agreement with the consultant. He took no notice of the unanimous desire of the residents. He appeared to be carrying out what he considered his obligation to the wishes of his patron.
The vote was 3-1, Kathi Rothner having courageously voted to postpone the decision.
How lucky that Beverly Hills, World Class City, exists to demonstrate Democracy to others.
Commission chair Michael Blumenfeld even had the gall to tell the Chronicle that critics of the plan were "late in the game," asking, "Where were they a year ago when the process was starting."
The vote was 3-1, Kathi Rothner having courageously voted to postpone the decision.
How lucky that Beverly Hills, World Class City, exists to demonstrate Democracy to others.
Commission chair Michael Blumenfeld even had the gall to tell the Chronicle that critics of the plan were "late in the game," asking, "Where were they a year ago when the process was starting."
But the plan for Roxbury Park has always been enveloped in secrecy and deception--a "stealth plan" developed when the Athletic Center in the Industrial area was turned down by the residents despite many meetings, surveys and consultants. The council members then decided to stuff the unwanted elements into our small park. Those who live in the purely residential neighborhood around the park were not consulted. Press conferences and meeting times were not publicized and meetings by invitation only. No notification as required, and then a totally unintelligible copy of the current plan without a key was distributed at the last minute.
The goal has always been to hide the ball from the residents and then tell them their objections were too "late in the game."
It's not over. The plan now goes to the City Council, where we will have to launch a large protest.
Please check back for further developments, or go to the guest book and offer your suggestions for the next steps we should take. Thanks very much, especially to all who showed up on Wednesday, and those who sent messages on the guest book.
It's not over. The plan now goes to the City Council, where we will have to launch a large protest.
Please check back for further developments, or go to the guest book and offer your suggestions for the next steps we should take. Thanks very much, especially to all who showed up on Wednesday, and those who sent messages on the guest book.
8/6/07
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