1980-11-17 - Laserfiche WebLink

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358 on the traffic hazards produced by park users, Mr.-Isaiah Tinsley of 1335 Preston Avenue also opposed the lighting of the park. He reminded Council that two churches are in the immediate vicinity of the park. Mr. 3ames Hicks also opposed the lighting. Mr. Marston, in closing, again referred to the 1979 Comprehensive Plan for guidance in the use of City parks and asserted that school facilities are available for public recreational use after school hours according to the Comprehensive Plan. Speaking for the Barracks/Rugby/Preston Neighborhood Association, he requested that the City find another location for the adult softball league and similar subsequent uses not directly tied to neighborhood residential use. He also asked that the funds earmarked for the lighting be used for improvements to the park that ~ould benefit the neighborhood residents. He presented a petition with 569 signatures requesting Council's considerations.of the problems created in the park by the use of facilities by the softball league and opposing the lighting of the field. Mr. Cole Hendrix, City Manager, briefly detailed the history of the proposed lighting of the park. The money was originally considered during the budget process last spring and, there being no public objection at that time, was placed in the budget by Council. Subsequently, the Department of Parks & Recreation has created specifications for the lighting and taken bids for the project. Before proceeding further, Mr. Gene German, Director of Parks & Recreation, consulted with the Venable Neighborhood Association, who initially had no objections, and the Barracks/ Rugby/Preston Neighborhood Association, who did have objections. Knowing that residents would be at the meeting to express their concerns, Mr. German and Mr. Hendrix had deliberately delayed the signing of any contracts to give Council the opportunity to reconsider the issue. Mr. Albro asked whether there was any other park that could accommodate the later evening games that would otherwise take place at Washington Park if it were lighted. Mr. Hendrix replied that present facilities are full and the City would probably have to build an additional softball diamond, perhaps at Penn Park and probably at considerable expense. Mr. Albro suggested that another site be considered, as it appears that present use and antidipated use of the park by the softball leagues is significantly inconveniencing the surrounding neighborhoods. Dr. Hall suggested that the City should use the funds earmarked for the lighting to make improvements at the park that were suggested by earlier speakers. Ms. Gleason supported Fir. Albro's suggestion ~to find another site for the softball leagues and delay installation of the lights in the meantime.