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October 17, 2004Open space proposals good for area's futureThe Traverse City area has a reasonable record of preserving public spaces for future generations. The city turned an industrial bayfront into the Open Space. The old fairgrounds became the Civic Center. The Hickory Hills ski area was created. Come Nov. 2, Traverse City and Garfield Township voters have a chance to show the same kind of vision by putting into public hands three sites that, 50 years from now, will be cherished as bits of green amid the bustle. That's why we strongly recommend a "yes" vote Nov. 2 on the open space and natural area preservation bond and millage issues proposed by the joint Traverse City-Garfield Township Recreational Authority. This isn't to say there aren't concerns about each of the sites. There are. And it's hard, for the moment at least, to strongly endorse the recreation authority as the controlling party. The authority currently lacks needed structure and clear lines of authority. But the clock truly is ticking on at least two of the sites and the third will likely not be available for long. A "no" vote now is likely a "no" vote for all time. The particulars are clear. City and township voters are being asked to approve a 20-year, 0.2727-mill bond that would raise up to $6.65 million and, separately, a 20-year, .10-mill operational millage that would bring in up to $125,000 a year to maintain the properties and pay administrative costs. Together the issues will cost the owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000 an additional $18.50 per year. Concerns about each of the properties exist, but are easily outweighed by the long-term public benefit. But they must be addressed: - The authority will spend $2.6 million to buy the former Smith-Barney building along West Bay. The intent is to raze the building and turn the half-acre parcel into open space. Some have complained that that's a lot of money for an older office building and a small chunk of land. And they're right. But there is no denying this parcel is unique. It is the last privately owned property on the bay from the Holiday Inn to the Grand Traverse-Leelanau county line. Under the existing C-1 zoning the owners could, by right, build condos or a mixed commercial/residential structure. No one should doubt that someone, somewhere, has the cash and the inclination to do just that. It's a one-of-a-kind site and an option holding it for the public expires after the election. - The authority will spend $3 million for the 108-acre Oleson Field near the Hickory Hills ski area. Given the nature and location of the site, the price is not unreasonable. The real concern is the potential lack of visibility and access for a place that isn't well known and isn't easy to find. Over the years, the Oleson family has allowed this parcel to become a virtual back yard for nearby residents, and some of them are the strongest backers of the proposals. The authority's challenge, if the measures pass, will be to ensure that the wider public, those who don't live next door, is aware of the site. There must be access and parking and perhaps amenities for hikers or others that would ensure wider use. An option on the land expires after the election. - The authority will spend $1 to buy a 56-acre parcel along Silver Lake Road that includes the historic barns once part of the old Traverse City Regional Psychiatric Hospital, now the Commons. The hitch is that the authority must also spend $650,000 - the appraised price - to stabilize the barns and bring in utilities. The authority is the natural vehicle for generating the income needed to preserve the barns. Their value as a link to the past make them worth preserving. The concern is what happens next. The Rolling Centuries history group has long had a plan for their use but as of now, nothing has been decided. For those who choose to find fault with the proposals, there are indeed issues and concerns. But in the long run - which is the way these proposals must be viewed - there is simply no question that these are good for the area and good for the future. Vote "yes" and "yes."
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