Dear Neighbors
From Linda Owens
I have spent 4 weeks researching the history of Strawberry Plant Park (SPP) and have produced a chronology corroborated with 38 public record documents (Exhibits) from 2004 to date . I was motivated to do this research because I was troubled that neither the City Council nor the Park Board were clear about what happened to the original intention for use of this park. I gathered from citizen comment during City Council meetings that it was intended for active recreational use as a waterfront park and that many citizens were concerned about the city’s acceptance of grants that would put the waterfront off limits due to restrictions and covenants. I also heard comments from neighbors of the Park who were concerned about noise and future activity and loss of view. There is a great deal of controversy and confusion around the Park. Accordingly, the City Manager told the Council he would not proceed further until there was a public meeting this fall where all parties would be heard.
In order to make that meeting worthwhile, I decided to track actions related to the Strawberry Plant Park, including grant applications, so we all could have a common and comprehensive knowledge of how the SPP reached this point.
I have no agenda for the outcome of the Park, but I wanted to shine “sunlight” on the past 5 years since the transfer of the Park to the City. I worked very hard to include all relevant information and to be accurate. If you find an error, I would appreciate it very much if you would let me know so I can set the record straight. You may email me at spp2linda @ gmail.com.
The document contains a 5-page introduction with overview followed by 17-pages of chronology referencing 38 exhibits. These are standard pdf files and can be printed out if you so desire.
