Despite what Dave Franklin says on his blog, the Commission is moving on. Kelly Fraasch has updated her blog to include the rest of the Robb Hollow plans. Robb Hollow It is exciting to see that an outdoor classroom is being considered, as well as a dog park. All of this has been presented to the Commission, so these plans are not new to them.
It is unfortunate how Dave Franklin is spreading lies on his blog. Kelly's initial proposal included Eco-friendly turf to be installed on the Youth Sports' dime. Since that would never happen, the Daves have painted a different picture.
23 comments:
Just a bit of a correction...I don't recall the original proposal having proposed turf. The original proposal added two new fields. A full sized one at the top of Robb Hollow anda Jr. one down on Cedar.
The compromise later came when the YSA said, "Nope, we want turf". Kelly compromised and said they could raise funds to put eco-friendly turf on the full sized field at Robb Hollow.
The Dave's still said no. Their argument now being that the parking and roadway would not suffice. Of course, in its current condition it would not, but some of the money allocated would have been for parking and road improvements.
Onward and upward Kelly. These guys were out to get you and it came from the beginning. I admire you for sticking with it as long as you did and you hung in there longer than I would have ever imagined. Thanks for trying to work it out to get the field issue addressed.
Yes kudos to Kelly.
These two guys and their cohorts will tie this community up in a logjam until they get what they want... more fields, no more turf... more turf, no more fields.
They revelle in dividing the community with their selfish objectives, meanwhile the other communities pass us by.
Furthermore in their myopic view of the future the sports people managed to tie up taxpayer money in two properties that basically a drain on the community coffers.
Had they any foresight they could've bought the wooded property behind the Castle Shannon and built their rectangular field. It would've have been centrally located and it would have been an excellent marketing tool for Lebo.
Thousands of non- residents. Drive or rife ny that space on the T. Everyday they could look on it and say,wow look at the investment thus community puts up for the kids. If I moved here I'd be home right now taking my kids to their lacrosse or soccer game.
Nah we just had to buy property in the hinterlands because certain individuals had to have it now.
That's Castle Shannon post office. The wooded lot parallel to the T line.
It's for sale, maybe the commissioners could parlay a swap - McNteilly for that lot. Or get the Provident to buy the Castle Shannon lot and thenmake the swap.
Just think what it would do for the economy in that neighborhood. Pub and Pizza could once again hold team victory celebrations.
Here's a thought.
Get Giant Eagle to buy the Castle Shannon Blvd property then swap it for the McNeilly property for a new Valu King store to compete with Aldi's, Bottom Dollar and serve seniors at the Provident.
To ripen the deal grant them naming rights for the Castle Shannon Blvd field. With the traffic volume, visibility and good will it would generate that's gotta be worth $100 grand or so a year to GE.
Here's another thought: stop promising the kids in this town they can have everything in life they want.
At least the ones over 40 !
I like those suggestions best, 2:10 & 2:17.
I like Kelley's plan. It appears Robb Hollow park will still move forward without fields and that's a good thing for the community. Kelley could have easily given up.
I know a lot of residents behind her efforts to improve recreation and everyone should know that we are seeing progress because of Commissioner Kelley Fraasch.
I live near Church Place Park. Thank you Commissioner Fraasch for getting us the play equipment. More kids are playing in the park and we are excited about the improvements.
We have been complaining for years and in months Commissioner Fraasch helped us. She will do amazing things to Robb Hollow.
A park at Robb Hollow will not increase my property value.
How about fixing the sewer problem Kelly? By the way, that also won't increase my property value.
Actually, there are numerous articles that show how having a park next to your home will increase your property value. Look it up.
Kelly was forward thinking in this. All the parklets we have at the end of blocks and on side streets needed attention. In the condition they were in, no, they did not increase property values. However, the residents that live near Church Place, over near Sunridge Drive at Highland Terrace, and over in Ward 2 by Iroquis all had money invested in their parks to make them usable, clean, and updated (or they will soon I think).
So yes, living near a park that is usable WILL increase your property value. Living next to one that is dilapidated and unusable will decrease your property value. Given that Kelly's plan identified and made investments from capital funds in almost all of our parklets and increased annual maintenance on our grass fields, odds are, you live close to one of these parks.
Doing upgrades to Robb Hollow will most certainly increase the value of the land of the homes that sit right behind it. I know I am waiting for one of the Dave's to mention a 30ft cliff behind a home and clearing some trees but to those homeowners it wouldn't have mattered. Being able to go out your back yard and down a hill to a nice field and park is far better than staring down a hill at rubbish, a torn up fire pit, piles of stinky leaves, and whatever other funk was/is down there now.
You know, just some facts for you to chew on.
I have told Kelly and Kelley how great the park looks next to my house. Since 1985 when we bought the house, it has never looked this good.
Elaine
Absolutely, maintain the parks we have in pristine condition Kelly's correct in that effort.
I considered moving about a year ago and live close to Church Pl Park. A realtor friend of mine looked through the house to give me an estimated asking price. Her biggest concern was the horrible eyesore for a park. She felt so strongly about it that she suggested I might not be able to sell. Church Pl Park is a prime example of how unkept parks can have a negative impact on property value. I think it takes some spirit to consider Church Pl Park. We are lower on the income bracket over here and Kelly saw our potential and found us worthy of the financial resources.
95% of residents don't live next to a park....it does nothing for their property values.
Back on 23 August 2011 I wrote a letter to Blog-Lebo entitled "Re-thinking the McNeilly property." Using data from a study conducted by the National Park Service, I pointed out that parks affect property values based on a)the nature of the park, and b)how far away one's property is located from the park.
Blog readers are welcome to read the original (link above), but the bottom line is as follows: "Property value increases are likely to be highest near those greenways which: 1) highlight open space rather than highly developed facilities; 2) have limited vehicular access, but some recreational access; 3) have effective maintenance and security.” "..homeowners living withing 3200 feet of a park with quiet, open spaces, walking trails, benches, and maybe a bike path are more likely to experience increase property values. Conversely, property owners living within 3200 feet of a “nuisance” park – described as a highly developed property – could expect a decrease in the value of their properties, with the amount of decrease assuaged by distance from the park."
2:05pm Somehow turfing a field does increase property value? Give me a break!
I don't live close to a park but the main entrance to my home is next to a park. If that park looks like crap do you think it impacts the value of my property. Sure does! I heard realtors would drive potential buyers up and through Bethel to keep buyers from seeing Highland Terrace. Ouch.
Yes, 2:05, let's change the argument.
Of course, in Mt Lebanon more than 80% live close to a park, field, or school.
I suppose we should define "close".
2:05 PM, I am trying to follow what you are saying. Are you against spending money that doesn't increase the value of your property? Are you trying to defend turf? Are you against the Rec Bond? I am not sure where you are going with this.
Elaine
If everyone is "moving on" and tired of talking about fields and turf, why do you continue to post about it? You keep the issue on the front page, no one else.
Really? Read the first sentence of this post, my friend.
Elaine
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