I am constantly asked the following questions about the city’s plans to purchase the Chili Cook-Off site to build a “Legacy Park.” Here are the answers:
Question: Did the City lose grant money?
Answer: No. Contrary to the headlines in the papers, we did not lose all the grant money. The city always had a two-phase plan for the Legacy Park Project. Phase one: raise money to acquire the land. Phase two: raise money to build the park. To insure meeting the escrow deadline, the city simply shifted its funding strategy. We will be using $2.5 million in grant money from the State Water Resources Board because it is available now. We are assured by the other granting agencies that they support this project and support the city’s efforts to secure the unused grant money to implement phase two.
Question: How is the fundraising coming?
Answer: I’ve lived in Malibu for over 30 years, and I’ve never seen such unity. Widows on fixed incomes, young families, clubs, businesses, have all donated. Also, residents of greater means have been generous with their donations and have hosted and organized fundraising efforts. Recently, the Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy offered a dollar for dollar matching grant up to $500,000. The offer ends Nov. 30, so I encourage all who are planning to donate to do it this week. A final ad will thank all our donors by name. I think the numbers will be very impressive.
Question: If we don’t reach our goal, what happens to my donation?
Answer: In that sad event, all donations will be fully refunded.
Question: What will the park look like?
Answer: The park’s design will be dictated by environmental review, science, community input and esthetics. It will be landscaped with native streamside plants and trees designed to clean surface and subsurface waters in accordance with the state granting agencies’ requirements. We have always envisioned a green belt that could be used as a staging area in times of emergency, just as it has in the past during fires. This green belt might also accommodate occasional charity events as it does now. That will be up to the community to decide.
Question: If we acquire the land, how do we know the city will go forward with phase two?
Answer: We have already accepted $2.5 million in grant money to acquire the land with the provision that phase two begin immediately, and hundreds have donated with that understanding. I suspect anyone who reneges on that promise would have to find another place to live. I, for one, am too old to move.
Question: Can the city keep a lumber store on the site?
Answer: Until the city actually owns the land, we have no legal standing to make such decisions. The present landowner has already executed a deal to rent the Malibu Lumber site. However, I’m sure we would encourage any new commercial development in the Civic Center to include a hardware-lumber business.
Question: What restrictions are on the park?
Answer: If we purchase this land, it will be deed restricted to prohibit any further development. It will be a passive recreation park with trails connecting the creek and lagoon to the present “egret pond.” There is an educational component where children can study riparian habitat and related marine subjects. If our efforts fail, it will be commercial shopping center.
Question: Why isn’t the city using the money for ballfields?
Answer: The city successfully negotiated with California State Parks to purchase the Bluff’s Park ball fields for $2 million. We are designing a park at Trancas that includes a practice sports field. This council has a proven record of supporting active recreational opportunities for all age levels, including ball fields. It will continue that commitment. This particular property will be used to meet our environmental goals.
Question: How can I get a tree planted in honor of our family?
Answer: For $250, your name will be inscribed on an honor wall. For $1,000, you get both your name on the wall and a tree dedicated in your honor.
Question: Are we paying too much for this land?
Answer: No. The appraisal far exceeds the asking price. Legacy Park is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most of the purchase money will come from revenue generated by the existing development on that site. The cost to the taxpayer is almost zero!
Question: Where do I send my donation?
Answer: Malibu Legacy Park, 23515 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu Ca. 90265-4861.
-Sharon Barovsky
City Council Member