Closer, but still 'no' in Batavia

Two years ago, the Batavia Park District wanted $36 million to build a recreation center and rehab the quarry beach, which would have significantly raised taxes.

We recommended a “No” vote, and voters agreed, defeating the plan by a 2-1 ratio.

Now, the park board has asked for approval of a $20 million recreation center that can be built with no tax increase, per se, as payments on new bonds replace those on expiring bonds.

Less cost, no tax increase, centralized location, helps revitalize downtown, capitalizes on public-private partnership and it didn't require a public vote. The appeal to the park board is understandable.

Still, this is an expansion of programming in a difficult economic time and financial projections don't always play out as planned. It's a closer call this time, but we again recommend a “No” vote.