Letters to the Editor

Pocket Parks are Public 

Dear Editor,

My Aug. 28 letter to the editor about various city pocket parks had an error. For correction, these parks, paid for by an assessment district, are public parks. They are unlike other pocket parks located in the city that are actually private parks. This changes the perspective on the issue and argument posed by the residents on maintenance. As public parks are available to all residents, in my opinion they should likely be supported by the city as other parks are.  

The decision years ago to allow developers to receive preference in the permitting completion and to allow them to build parks for which the city did not have funding to maintain was not a good decision. Requiring a small development to support a facility for which the whole community could benefit was also not a good decision. Small parks, with limited facilities are problematic as a citywide facility. To my understanding the practice has been discontinued.

The question and the problem is funding. Small parks, with limited facilities are problematic as a citywide facility. Who will maintain them if the residents do not and should the city maintain them and at what cost? It does require further study.

Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill

Enjoyed ‘I Hate Hamlet’ Theater Production

Dear Editor,

My family and I enjoyed a Saturday matinee of Paul Rudnick’s “I Hate Hamlet” which played at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse. This production was a lot of fun and was sparked by the youthful energy of a talented college-age cast. The script was good, but the acting was even better and the show included drama, laughter, a little dancing and even a bit of sword-fighting. The only thing missing was a crowd to appreciate all of the hard work invested in this production. Live theater really is something special and should be appreciated and supported.

Robert Boyd, Morgan Hill

Downtown Association Highlights its Many Accomplishments

Dear Editor,

The Morgan Hill Downtown Association (MHDA) appreciates the opportunity to clarify and share information about our organization in light of the Aug. 7 editorial and subsequent letters to the editor about our organization.

The association was founded five years ago, and is now headed by Theresa Kiernan, our second executive director, who started in October 2006. The MHDA received $95,000 this year from the Redevelopment Agency to cover all operating expenses. A total of $20,000 of those funds went to create a new position for an event coordinator. Approximately $20 million of RDA funds will be spent in the downtown over the next 10 years and the MHDA will help integrate those projects and work as a liaison with the city.

As of last October, the MHDA set a number of key projects in motion, requiring specific skill levels. We began implementation of a Property Based Improvement District (PBID) and passed new measures to allow for a substantial increase of downtown residential development, as well as implementation of committees.

The MHDA board’s charge to Ms. Kiernan has been to carry out this very basic structure. To that end, she has taken massive action in the following items:

• Fully implemented the PBID process, voted as a board to manage the $75,000 per year generated by the property owner’s assessment. Please note that these monies are for infrastructure improvements only; they cannot be used for MHDA budget purposes. Improvements may include permanent tree light, banners, art, etc.

• Saw through the voting in and beginning implementation of the Measure F housing for 100 new residential/mixed use units in the downtown.

• Coordinated and managed communication between key events so that downtown businesses would benefit as in years past and also being showcased

• Created a Residents’ Committee to develop a downtown community.

• Worked with restaurants and merchants to establish uniform hours.

• Provided consistent communication with groups coming downtown for events.

• Managed six committees: economic development, design, membership, resident, merchants and the board of directors.

• Hosts and plans an annual meeting and quarterly meetings to discuss each issue within the MHDA’s jurisdiction.

• Publishes a quarterly newsletter and a newly designed Web site (www.morganhilldowntown.org).

• Works towards developing a uniform face for the downtown so that when new businesses come in they are given information about city requirements and welcomed, helping work through city requirements.

• Creates a “third-place” destination – a vibrant, well-coordinated and enthusiastic downtown, where residents can relax and enjoy themselves while supporting the city through tax-generated dollars.

On behalf of the entire Morgan Hill Downtown Association, we encourage everyone interested in understanding the workings of the MHDA to please attend our monthly board meetings. Meetings are open to the public the fourth Tuesday of every month at 8am on the second floor of The Granary, 17500 Depot Street, (408) 779-3190. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Board of Directors,

Morgan Hill Downtown Association