Property dedicated to the city of Nevis decades ago for park purposes will likely remain undeveloped - for the time being.
Mayor Ray Melander had broached the proposal to use the property near Deer Lake, located on the west end of Main Street, for Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) homes. The park, which had not been maintained until a few years ago, is nearly a block long and 200 feet deep.
Melander had asked the city attorney to research the feasibility of developing the property.
The object of action, John Masog explained, would be to remove the restriction. But "because the sale would be to the HRA, the purpose to promote affordable housing, it is my opinion the city would encounter little, if any, opposition from the district court judge."
But the proposal met opposition from the council, overruling the suggestion.
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"I would hate to see us give up park area," Rick Carson said. "That's one of the amenities people look for when they come to this area."
"We have a considerable amount of green space," Melander noted. "And it would increase the tax base.'
But the council as a whole did not support construction of homes on the property. After the meeting, Melander likened the idea of development in the park to "messing with the Holy Grail."
In other action, the council:
n Agreed the safety issue of kids walking to Wednesday release time classes rests with the school, not the city.
Nevis superintendent Steven Rassier had submitted a letter at the board's request asking for a study of street needs, including installation of sidewalks.
If sidewalks are needed, Melander said, the children should follow a sidewalk path, as opposed to 2nd Avenue. He advocated bicycle paths be defined on the streets for kids who wish to ride bikes to school, however.
"We have safe access via sidewalks," he said. "The issue is moot for release time. The kids are taking the option to walk in the street."
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Paul Schroeder, elementary teacher and council member, agreed. "The kids are running and shoving. The school needs to teach safety in getting from point A to point B. He suggested a class to teach appropriate behavior and reinstating a student safety patrol.
Carol Fridgen noted the school must make application for grant funding for such measures, not the city.
n Reported liquor store earnings of $20,750 in May, $30,819 year to date.
n Approved a contractual agreement with assessor David Johnson.
n Will advertise for a lifeguard, at $10 per hour, working approximately 30 hours per week.
n Reported no quotes were received for an entryway sign at Lakeview Cemetery. The engineers, who had been requested to provide quotes on street paving, did not appear at the meeting.
