Park project heat centers on taxes
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Whitehouse city manager Ronny Fite points out features of the proposed Rushing Park development discussed at Monday's town hall meeting.

The city's second town hall meeting in three months drew about the same number of attendees as the first, with many of the same concerns being voiced about a proposed 24-acre park and subsequent bond funding.

Like the Jan. 18 gathering, issues raised this past Monday evening included safety, crime and traffic. The spotlight, however, was reserved for funding; specifically, cost of the park and its effect on homeowners' taxes.

"The burden for everything in this town falls on the homeowner," said Gary Smith, who criticized the use of bond funding and suggested a half-cent sales tax. "At least the burden is a little more widespread for everybody."

Smith said bond funding resulted in paying two to three times more for a project in debt service; he also felt that a sales tax method would result in revenue from non-citizens who might use the park facilities. One of the arguments of park proponents is that it will be a drawing feature for the city.

"Let them pay for it (people who use it)," said Smith. "I'm sick and tired of shelling out my money to pay for pie in the sky projects."

Dianna Hall also spoke out against the project's financial impact and added other personal concerns as a resident of the proposed park site area.

"The taxes in Whitehouse are crush- ing. We are paying two school bonds now," said Mrs. Hall, urging city council to choose another time and another place. "Do it somewhere else besides my backyard. We moved there because it's a quiet residential area. A park needs to be in a country setting, not a residential setting."

Other citizens spoke out with concerns about the connecting road from FM 346 to Hillcreek Road encouraging unwanted visitors from Lake Tyler and the possibility of the park being a late night gathering place.

In response, Mayor Jake Jacobson said the city planned on setting and enforcing a curfew and the police department would patrol the area.

Some also questioned the need for the road to connect to Hillcreek; Mayor Jacobson responded that the Vision 20/20 Master Plan had indicated the two major deficits for the City of Whitehouse were a park and transportation issues. He said the connecting road would serve as another thoroughfare.

Some questioned that due to the road's expected 15 mph speed limit.

A number of individuals also spoke out for the park, including Gigi Delk. She asked the audience what happens to a church when there are no young people, and likened that impact with the absence of a place for young people in the city.

Helen and Jim Hutto both addressed the council. Mrs. Hutto asked the council if the current city park would remain if the new park is built, saying its visibility made for a safe feeling. Council member Gene Champion said the park would stay, although the widening of 346 and the future addition of another courtroom would affect its size.

Mr. Hutto said the park would add to the quality of life in Whitehouse. He said people choose a community for the quality of education and life, and that although the education system is great, the quality of life has not changed, grown.

"I served on the parks board and resigned out of frustration," said Mr. Hutto, who suggested "the City of Whitehouse, where nothing changes" as a possibility for the city sign.

Mrs. Hall rebutted Mr. Hutto's remarks, saying she felt the park and the additional taxes would detract from her quality of life and her neighborhood.

Council encouraged all those present to vote, regardless of their opinion of the park. If the project passes, community input on elements of the park will be used to make a final plan.

Funding for the park and road will cost $3 million, adding approximately $7 per month ($84 year) to the taxes of a home valued at $120,000. A copy of the conceptual plan and more details are available at city hall.