Mayor Nickels Communication to the City Council Regarding Proposed Campsites in Lincoln Park: Council, After thoughtful consideration following Monday evening’s listening session, and the phone calls and e-mails to follow regarding campsites in Lincoln Park, I am withdrawing my support for this project at this location. My goal was to provide an opportunity for families to appreciate our parks in a different and new way, to go to the zoo, use the trails, basketball and tennis courts, and much more. All this at a reasonable cost and with the least amount of nature being disturbed and safety, both for those utilizing the park and the neighbors. Lincoln Park accomplished this. I know some of you felt the same way and I appreciate the Finance Committee and Common Council approving this within the 2014 budget process. Unfortunately (while reported), it seemed many were caught off guard with the project, and even by providing all the facts and details of the project, it seems nothing will win their favor. Many expressed repeated concerns that they fear it won’t end with 8 rustic campsites, though I promised my career on the fact it wouldn’t be expanded. While I am someone who tends to look at the greater benefit, rather than a sentiment of “not in my back yard”, it has become clear to me that Lincoln Park is not suitable for campsites. I have asked Parks and Recreation, Police and Fire to provide options of campsites at Silver Creek Park. However, I asked them not to spend a lot of time on it. If there are council members who would like to see campsites in the city (as I do), this would be a potential option. We could act on Silver Creek at the July 21st Council meeting since the 2 ordinances deal with fire pits and overnight stays. We would simply have to change the name of the park on the ordinances from Lincoln to Silver Creek. Regardless of location, campsites would not be completed until 2015. Of course, this is my personal opinion. The matter still rests with the City Council and you can choose to act as you wish. However, if the ordinances are approved by the City Council using Lincoln Park, I will veto them. Thank you. Justin M. Nickels Mayor *side note: thanks to all those who took the time to contact me regarding this - positive or negative. Your comments, opinions and suggestions were the basis for this decision.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 20:25:13 +0000