Parks
There is no better example of the neglect of the City’s property and irresponsibility of our current mayor than his lack of attention to our parks. Recently, Andy Patros and the Elmira Skatepark Advocacy Group drew public attention to the skatepark at Eldridge Park. Over the years it had suffered from neglect and decay. The mayor has had nearly 8 years to keep it in decent shape; yet it took the publicity of local citizens and social media to catch his interest.
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So, when you next take a walk in the City’s parks, have a close look around. You’ll find the same neglect and disrepair in them all. Here are some pictures taken in early August of the playground facilities at Brand Park. Notice the rust, the weeds, the loss of swings..., and see if you can get the splash pad to work. It looks like it hasn't worked for years.
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As you know, the mayor plans to remove the Brand Park Pool and replace it with a splash pad. Do you suppose he is unaware that there is already one there? Sadly, the lack of upkeep of the City's properties has become a pattern over the years, leading to a policy of neglecting, letting decay, selling off or tearing down, maybe building something else. Is that responsible leadership? And how much does that neglect cost the people of Elmira in the long term?
And what about the money wasted on the unfinished splash pad at Main and Water?...
And what about the money wasted on the unfinished splash pad at Main and Water?...