Control of the Maritime Park

Today I received an email from constituent C. C. Elebash about recent changes in the Community Maritime Park plan:

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "CELEBASH" celebash@bellsouth.net
To: "Mike Wiggins" , "Megan Pratt" , "Diane Mack" , "P.C. Wu" , "Sam Hall" , "Larry Johnson" , "John Jerralds" , "Jewel Cannada-Wynn" , "Marin DeWeese" , "Ronald Townsend" rtownsend@ci.pensacola.fl.us
Date: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:05:42 -0600Subject: Control of Maritime Park.doc

March 13, 2010

TO: Pensacola City Council

SUBJECT: Control of the Maritime Park

Dear Mr. Mayor and Council Members:

You should promptly take back direct control of the Community Maritime Park. The original proposal has fallen apart. The CMPA management arrangement no longer makes sense. The entire project is in disarray. Too many people and agencies are involved. Responsibility is diffused.

The baseball park is the only major element in the Community Maritime Park now going forward as originally planned. The ballpark has little public support. It has always been the least popular part of the CMP. In view of the poor prospects for State and City revenues, you should revisit your decision to build the stadium.

The Maritime Park is doable on a reduced scale. A smaller City investment could provide a “green field”, an attractive public area, and the amphitheater. You could also provide infrastructure to attract private development.

Above all, Council should be in direct control of the Maritime Park. You are our elected and accountable City leaders. Only you can restore order out of the current organizational morass.

Sincerely yours,

C. C. Elebash