Parker Farm purchase not a bad plan, it's just the wrong time

The Grayslake Park District is asking voters to approve a tax rate increase to finance the purchase of a 70-acre parcel at the northwest corner of Lake and Washington streets, currently known as the Parker Farm.

Situated roughly between two existing parks, Doolittle and Meadowview, the land would remain as open space, with the eventual goal of developing a large community park and connecting the three parcels.

The park district would give the public the chance to choose the type of amenities they would like to see on this land, including biking and walking trails, picnic areas with shelters, and playground equipment.

The tax increase to purchase the land would amount to an additional $29.67 in taxes for each $100,000 in value on a house the first year. That's roughly $89 on a $300,000 house.

We reluctantly urge a no vote on the grounds that any tax increase is difficult to justify in our current economy.

Park district officials say the price they negotiated last spring with the owners is contingent upon passage of the referendum and if the issue fails, the land could be a prime spot for developers.

That might be true, but the housing industry remains mired in a recession and the chances of a quick sale and development seem doubtful.

Voters in the district might be better served if parks officials waited until the economy improves and homeowners could better afford a tax increase.