Voice of the Coast

Editor:

I’ve taken a little time to research data from The Trust for Public Lands for the year 2000 -- and it reveals something very interesting about the city of Half Moon Bay versus other communities around the United States. In low density cities elsewhere across the nation, there are an average of 15.8 acres of Park/Open Space per thousand residents. By contrast, Half Moon Bay currently averages around two acres per thousand residents.

Just to meet the average, our community should acquire an additional 200 acres of Park/Open Space.

For years and years our city leaders have failed to secure the purchase of such lands. Now that we finally have City Council members actively, effectively pursuing the purchase of 22 acres of parkland (the Nurserymen’s Exchange parcel on Highway 92) and another parcel (in the Oak Avenue neighborhood adjacent to Pilarcitos Creek), it’s mind-boggling to see the council excoriated by a former city council member who is running for re-election this November and the Half Moon Bay Review.

One has to wonder why this is so. We need parks. Our current elected officials are actively acquiring parks. You’d think everyone in this community would be jumping for joy. Go figure.