Who benefits from Beaver Pond work?
I attended a Bartlett Park District meeting June 10 regarding proposed "improvements" for Beaver Pond. The majority in attendance objected, and raised these issues:
• Maintenance of the asphalt path, which will be submerged certain times of year because it is in the flood plain. The board response -- it won't be a problem -- defies the laws of physics.
• The difficulty of policing pond "improvements" due to the lack of access or visibility from the streets.ˆ One park official responded this wouldn't be a problem, the parks close at dusk. Kids aren't going to hang out after dark?
• A Braintree resident bordering a "Fun" area was concerned with people carrying coolers and picnic baskets through his yard because there is no public access nearby. The board dismissed this.
• An environmental engineer spoke of the difficulty and expense of maintaining shoreline plantings and the treatments needed, and said the "improvements" are wrong for the area.
• Proposed landscaping and structures blocking some residents' pond views.
• The need for a pier and its maintenance. It would be a "canvas" for graffiti, other late night shenanigans and bring an increased liability of drowning.
I asked, why are they compelled to spend this money when within walking distance are four parks including the community center with amenities, adequate lighting, parking and patrol routes? Also,ˆ Pratt Wayne Woods is within three miles with fishing piers, covered picnic areas and nature trails.
My question wasn't answered.
Someone asked if the people voted on this. Mr. Rowe responded there were lots of people for this and the board has the authority to decide what's best for the community. He said if we didn't like it, we should vote for someone else next election. By then, we will be stuck with the "improvements" and costs.
Who are these improvements really for, if not for those living around the pond?ˆ If the park district has all this money, apply it to better maintenance (stop arguing with the village and buy a machine to pick up goose droppings), or give the residents a tax break.
John Janisch
Bartlett