Voters to Weigh In on Need for Parkland Tax

The city’s voters will have a chance March 26 to give their opinions of a proposed tax that would raise money for beach and park improvements.

Proponents of Measure GG, including Councilman Tom Harman, say the levy, which would raise a projected $25 million over 15 years, would cost the typical homeowner no more than $36 a year, or about $3 a month--the price of a fast-food hamburger with fries.

Opponents say that creating the proposed citywide assessment district to pay for the improvements would cost taxpayers much more in the long haul and that other projects should have a higher priority.

One of those opposed is Councilman Dave Garofalo, who said the measure is not specific enough on cost estimates or location of sites. “It’s unacceptable,” he said. “How can we ask taxpayers to buy land and we don’t know how much it’s going to cost or where it is?”

He and Councilman Peter M. Green say the city has more pressing issues. “We’ve got deteriorating infrastructure,” Green said. “We can’t afford this at this time.”

The vote on Measure GG is merely advisory, a gauge of public opinion on the tax proposal. The City Council would ultimately decide whether to create the 15-year assessment district to raise the money.

Chuck Beauregard, chairman of Save Our Kids, which advocates youth activities, said that more than 16,000 youths are involved in sports in the city and that “every square inch of closed and open school sites is already used by groups.”

With school districts now selling some properties for other uses, playing fields are diminishing, he said.

“The land is being lost to kids, and that means we’re going to have to turn kids away from youth sports,” Beauregard said. “We’re already turning them away in softball, soccer and swimming because there are no facilities.”