Kushner corrects misinformation

I would like to offer this letter to correct the misinformation that was presented in Kevin Wernet’s letter to the editor on 9/27/06. In this letter, he starts with a sarcastic comment about Patrick Miles’ profiling a “wonderful opportunity to spend your money.” Not only is this comment inflammatory, but it is not rooted in reality.

To begin, planning for the purchase of the Schuetz property began well over six years ago. The plans of past village boards and committees was to utilize the “fee in lieu of parkland” funds that are generated when a developer opts out of dedicating the required parkland required in residential developments. To be clear, these funds are not generated by village taxes.

Fortunately, we have had an active Parks and Recreation Committee with dedicated citizens working to secure outside grant funds, as well as an engaged and hard working staff. This committee along with the village staff has been successful in securing approximately 2/3 the cost of this purchase through grants. This benefits the village by leaving that amount in the “fees in lieu of parkland” funds account.

Expenses to develop any new park, be it Urso Park, or the Schuetz property if it is purchased by the village as planned, are phased as any infrastructure project is. Roads, water towers, sewer lines, and new municipal buildings are phased because it is the fiscally responsible way to support growth. Maintenance of parks, and for that matter, street trees is prioritized in the operating budgets along with maintenance of roads, fire trucks, street lights, senior services and much more.

To be clear again, none of the expenses to purchase the Schuetz property would come from village taxes if paid out of the “fees in lieu of parkland funds” as originally planned. As well, development and maintenance would be incremental and budgeted and prioritized along with all the other village services. Citizen input is always very welcome in setting these priorities.

Most importantly, Patrick Miles demonstrates the kind of leadership we seem to be missing these days – inspiring people to envision and plan for the future of this village and its growth, rather than inspiring fear through misinformation.

The Schuetz’s in their commitment to leaving something lasting for our children and grandchildren demonstrate the kind of wisdom and generosity that our great country was founded on.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Kushner

Village Trustee