Athens City Council rejected a hotly debated transfer that would have put the city in control of Strouds Run State Park with a 4-3 vote yesterday.
The four ward representatives voted against the agreement, while the three at-large representatives favored it. Ward representatives who opposed the transfer voiced concerns about the financial and practical effects the transfer could have and what they viewed as a rush to make a decision.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources spent about $120,000 per year on the park and reported annual revenue of $26,600 ' a $93,400 loss per year, said ODNR spokeswoman Jane Beathard.
Athens officials expected to operate the park for an estimated $99,000 in the first year. They had planned to pay that sum through a one-time, $49,500 assistance payment from ODNR and part of the three-year, $150,000 commitment by Ohio University.
Athens likely would have managed the park more cost-effectively than the state because the park would no longer be operated as a satellite park and officials would not have to commute, Beathard said.
Paul Wiehl, D-1st Ward, compared the transfer to a used car sale. Gotta get it soon or the deal's going to die
he said. I'm not enamored with this rush to do it and the fuzzy numbers.
Councilwoman Nancy Bain, D- 3rd Ward, remained silent during the meeting but said afterward that the city could not handle the new land without diminishing the quality of other city services, such as the police and fire departments.
The transfer would have increased the city's park land by more than six times its current park acreage. Athens operates about 400 park acres, and Strouds would have added about 2,600 acres, said Kevin Schwartzhoff, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
Athens residents also discussed their opinions in favor of and in opposition to the transfer before council voted. Athens resident Gary Seeley said the city already has land it can improve and should not take on new land it cannot fully handle. I'd rather have a bracelet with one diamond than a bracelet with 10 rhinestones he said.
Resident Daniel Hudson acknowledged there were many unknowns and risks whether control went to the city or remained with the state, but said he favored local control of the park.
Councilwoman Carol Patterson, D-at large, the transfer's main proponent, left the meeting immediately following the vote and could not be reached for comment.
Athens Mayor Ric Abel said he was disappointed by the vote and thought the discussion about the city's possible control of Strouds was a wasted opportunity that won't be seen again.
Amy Flowers, D-at large, one of three member who favored the transfer, disagreed with the mayor's thought. If the agreement is revised, the topic could be placed on ballot before Athens citizens, she said.
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TOP: Local resident, Francia Patti, walks her dog, Isabella, at Strouds Run after "a long day in the studio."
