City Plans Advisory Vote on a New Tax for Parks

The city administration is drafting plans to ask residents if they are willing to pay a tax to pay for park and beach improvements.

The City Council on Monday directed the staff to develop plans for an advisory vote on the March ballot that would gauge public support for a citywide Park-Beach Improvement District.

The unspecified levy would generate money for much needed improvements. Typical funding sources, such as development fees, have dwindled since there is little new construction in the city, officials said. Federal and state monies have also dried up.

“If there is a clear indication that the public wants this, then I think it’s a good idea,” said Councilman David Sullivan, who voted in favor of the proposal. “And, it’s the only way in these times to get the financing to do a number of these projects.”

About $40 million is needed to make improvements called for in 18 pending capital projects. These include improvements to the city’s south beach area, a youth sports complex at Huntington Central Park, upgrades to school fields that are used for youth sports, and development of neighborhood parks.

Councilman Dave Garofalo abstained, and Councilman Peter M. Green cast the lone vote against the proposal, saying there is a strong anti-tax movement in the community.

Green said residents will face fee increases in the future to pay for improvements to the city’s water system and for trash pickup.

Garofalo and Green also want a two-thirds passage of the advisory vote before the council imposes the assessment district. Both also said they favor a sample poll by the city to test support for the idea before placing it on the ballot.