There was in an interesting line in today's Bee story about negotiations to smooth the path for Donald Trump and his on-again, off-again plans for the Running Horse development. The developer wants -- among other things -- for the city to help acquire several parcels within the Running Horse project area, and the City Council voted yesterday to try to do so, including the possibility of using eminent domain powers to buy the land.
"The city has a budget of about $1 billion, so I'm sure we can find the money somewhere," Council Member Jerry Duncan said.
If that's the case, why was there so much hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing over helping fund Storyland and Playland in Roeding Park?
Are we to conclude that when it comes to council priorities, the children of Fresno and the Valley get to line up behind a billionaire celebrity developer?
I think we all recall when the US Supreme Court allowed eminent domain for private purposes recently. All conservaves tore their hair in anguish. Some states have even made it unlawful. Yet, here is the same thing. Folks shouldn't be required to sell their property for another private purpose like a gold course. I guess you complain until it is YOUR private purpose. If any of those land owners refuse to sell, it should all be over.
Then, there is an additional doctine of not permitting a gift of public funds. Isn't that what is going on here? I think Fresno is again acting like a hick town. Who is Trump? Just another entrepreneur with one bankruptcy to his credit, as I recall. Acting like he is some sort of deity is the sure sign of a hick town. Let's grow up and mature.
"Hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing" over Playland/Storyland? I missed that meeting.
During the budget process the City Council initiated (the funds where not requested by Storyland/Playland) and approved $100,000 in matching funds for the park. The Mayor vetoed it and the Council over-rode the veto by a 7-0 vote.
The encouragement for them to talk to the Zoo people about opportunities to work together is a good benefit that has come out of this and is critical for their future survival.
Like it or not there is a real issue in regards to the survivability of the business model of Playland/Storyland. Maybe some people think we should just throw tons of tax money at them but that is not going to make anything better in the long run. Some of us prefer to actually try to help solve the real problem and do what we can to make them financially healthy with a viable business model for the future.
I would hardly compare a success story (Trump) to other businesses in Fresno.
How many years has Storyland been around? I would have hoped by now it would run as a sucessful business, as well as benifit the kids.
Let's help Trump make this a success because he is literally a sucess story.
Above all it will benifit the City!