HomeMy WebLinkAbout95Aug19 News Articledy, xu~asr ~~, ~ 5~~
TODAY
Pamela F. Meals John A. costa
President & Publisher Executive Editor
Ralph Poore Susan Whaley Dr. Clay Morgan
Editorial Editor Editorial Page Waster Community member
Editorials appearing under "Our View" reflect the opinion of these editorial board members
Meridian can make new deal
on Cherry Lane Golf Course
Meridian officials are getting some well-
deserved citizen opposition about the
city's squirrelly free lease and expansion
plans for the Cherry Lane Golf Course.
The golf course controversy has caused
about ahalf--dozen residents to consider
starting a citizens' watchdog group to
make sure their voices are heard. Good,
because somebody needs to watch the tax-
payers' hens around this deal.
Here's what's happening: Meridian lets
its lessee run the nine-hole golf course
without paying ,the city a dime. If the
course is expanded to 18 holes, as the city
plans, the operators would pay the city a
mere $6,000 a year.
That is a meager return compared, say;
with the arrangement Nampa has. There,
the Cente~i nlal Golf Course pays 15 per-
cent of its gross revenue to the city. That
comes to about $135,Op0. Such an arrange-
ment at Meridian's course could raise
funds that could be plowed back into
much-needed parks and recreation
projects.
Instead, Meridian plans on punishing a
group of homeowners so its duffers can get
in another nine holes of golf. The city is
requiring a building permit fee of up to
$650 on each home built next to the new
nine holes, with the money going to pay
for golf course construction. The fee is
expected to raise about $350;000 for the
nine holes.
Limited impact fees make sense in cer-
tain circumstances. This. isn't one of them.
Meridian is extracting ,money from one
group -nearby homeowners - to the
benefit of another group -golfers. The
homeowners may or may not be golfers,
but their money is being used for aspecial-
intereat benefit, not the common good. In
short, its an unfair deal.
No wonder some citizens 'are outraged,
and rightly so.
City officials would be wise to renegoti-
ate the agreement with Cherry Lane. A
new lease could allow the operators to
make a reasonable profit while helping the
city pay for golf course improvements,
park acquisition, swimming pools, ball
fields. and gyms. `
Such a plan would score a hole in one for
.Meridian's citizens. ,
Masner will lead Eagle
When the Eagle Citizen's Alli-
ance began, I was pleased with its
objective "watchdog" role and
promise to stay out of politics.
Within a matter of months, I was
surprised that the ECA listed a
slate of candidates for office. I now
wonder whether the ECA was
formed to further public awareness
or to further political ambitions.
That's why I encourage all alli-
ance members and other voters to
examine candidate qualifications.
Of the mayoral candidates, only
Morgan Masner has the experi-
ence, the dedication and the track
record to lead Eagle. I helped
with Morgan's write-in bid for
council two years ago. He was
elected because he said he'd en-
force our comprehensive plan and
fight to ease our growing pains.
That's what he's done.
Now, his contract-with Eagle
promises a more citizen friendly
government. I know he'll do his
best to make that a reality. Mor-
gan Masner keeps his word.
Jane K. Fulkerson, Eagle
- Farmers Market
Nampa -Nampa Farmers M2
of 12th Ave. Road and 3rd Str
- Cultural event
Kuna -Read Around the Wor
Kuna School Community Libr
- Auto racing
Meridian -Gates open at Mei
$8 for adults and $4 for seni-
2813.
Sum
- Pool.
Meridlan -Open pool tourn.
Ave., 2 p.m., $2 entry fee. Info
Mom
- Games
Caldwell -Summer horsesh~
tmber, 7 p.m. to dusk at Me
- Music
Meridian -String instrumer
through sixth grades. Class
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wedn~
Information: 939-4097:
TUESDAY
- Farmer's market
Eagle -Eagle Farmer's Mar
lot, 300 W. State St.
- Pool
Meridlan- Open pool tourr
Broadway streets, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
- Farmer's market
Nampa -Nampa Farmer's M
- Music
Meridian -Adult orchestra
Band Room. Strings, Frencl
pets, tuba and percussionis
THURSDAY
- F Market.
.Kuna -Kuna Farmers Mark
- Gymnastics
Caldwell -Evening gymna:
depot in Caldwell. Classes
years old, 5 to 5:30; 5 to
Advanced classes for 8 si
class for 2 and 4 year olds
Information: 455-3060.
- Pool
Meridlan -Open pool tour
way, 7:30 p.m., $2 entry. In
- Children's activity
Eagle -Story hour at the E~
11 a.m. Information: 939-6E
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