Q&A
Discussion on infrastructure needs: schools, parks, and public safety resources
0:56:48
·
3 min
Council Member Amanda Farías inquires about plans for new schools, additional park space, and resources for local precincts and firehouses in light of the proposed rezoning. Representatives from City Planning and Parks and Recreation respond to her questions.
- Paul Philps mentions ongoing discussions about a potential school site at 1601 Bronxdale
- Nick Molinari from Parks and Recreation acknowledges the need for improved open spaces and ongoing community engagement
- Farías emphasizes the importance of renovating existing parks (Taylor Playgrounds and Castle Playgrounds) to accommodate increased population
- When asked about resources for local precincts and firehouses, Philps indicates that there are no concrete plans or budget allocations at present
- Farías expresses disappointment at the lack of firm commitments for public safety resources
Amanda Farías
0:56:48
Great.
0:56:49
And then just for DOT also, and I know we've walked this literally through rain, sleet, snow, and all types of hot weather already, but I I do wanna reiterate considering looking at the station itself will be built up on a hill as we know.
0:57:06
Looking at different ways to have angled parking would any other options that we have to increase even if it's just 5, 10, 12 spots on that strip would be helpful.
0:57:16
Other infrastructure needs our schools, more park space, and more resources for our local presence and firehouses.
0:57:24
Starting with schools, what grade will it provide, and how many seats will it provide.
0:57:29
And have any of you started engaging with the developers on the rezoning area about building a school I don't already knows.
0:57:36
We were stated that SEA has been in conversations.
Paul Philps
0:57:40
So thank you for that question.
0:57:42
So, yes, so there have been some discussions for a school on a large site at 1601.
0:57:48
Bronxdale we're aware of the request that SCA is evaluating currently the site to determine if the location meets the city's site considerations for a school.
Amanda Farías
0:57:59
And do you know what's the timeline around getting a response back from SCA?
0:58:03
If you ask a principal, it'll be a really long time.
Paul Philps
0:58:05
So we're we are actively working and having conversations with SCA and the developer on figuring out what the requirements are and if it fulfill those requirements.
0:58:15
So we're working on that in earnest.
Amanda Farías
0:58:17
Okay.
0:58:18
And then moving on to park space, my community needs more than open space within private developments, my community needs more playgrounds, core its active spaces.
0:58:27
Do you have any plans and an actual budget to provide these as part of this rezoning?
Paul Philps
0:58:37
I will let my colleague get to parts Department of Parts of Recreation respond to
Nick Molinari
0:58:42
Okay.
0:58:43
Thank you, council member.
0:58:45
So, yes, we know that the open spaces and the districts all need some love.
0:58:51
And are looking forward to having further conversations about those open spaces.
0:58:54
We have been, as I mentioned before, part of all the community meetings and have heard a lot from constituents about needs.
0:59:01
We've been working on improving the spaces and looking forward to continuing this conversation.
Amanda Farías
0:59:05
The 2 parks that I have already provided, you folks as to to look at necessary investments coming in with the thousands of units that are coming into the the purchaser Van Ness area.
0:59:17
Are in high need and have been in high need that precedes me since previous council members.
0:59:23
So I urge you folks to continue looking at ways with OMB and down the line to make sure that both of those products receive the renovations they need.
0:59:33
We need to ensure that kids of all ages can be within those parks that the schools that are getting more students can equip the parks because some of them are JOPs and ensuring that they're accessible both with equipments and and with pathways into it.
0:59:51
So I really urge you folks to consider those 2 parks.
Nick Molinari
0:59:56
And cats were
Kevin C. Riley
0:59:57
Mhmm.
Nick Molinari
0:59:58
2 Parks, Loreto, was 1?
Amanda Farías
1:00:00
No.
1:00:00
That's Taylor Plate rounds and Castle plate rounds.
Robert Press
1:00:04
Thank you.
Amanda Farías
1:00:05
Those are in the purchaser Casa Hill area.
1:00:08
And another major issue is providing our local presence and firehouses with resources they need to serve our communities do you folks have plans in an actual budget to provide any of this as part of the rezoning?
Paul Philps
1:00:21
Thank you for that question.
1:00:23
Certainly, We're gonna take all this back, and we're having conversations with the precincts and others about, like, their plans for future capital.
1:00:30
And it expense for personnel.
Amanda Farías
1:00:33
Okay.
1:00:33
So no as of right now.
Paul Philps
1:00:35
Yes.
1:00:35
That's correct.