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CITY NEWS

COUNCIL APPROVES PARK DESIGN

John VanLandingham
The Emeryville Connection Staff
July 2007

When the $1.6 million Doyle-Hollis park is built early next year, it will be Emeryville’s largest. And it will come at the expense of as many as 30 parking spaces in a city where parking and parks frequently compete for priority.

Attempts by residents and some City Council members to reduce the park’s size in favor of more parking failed at a June 19 hearing where the council approved final plans on a 3-2 vote. Construction will begin early next year and occupy a full city block bounded by Doyle, Hollis, 61st and 62nd streets.

After the vote, Councilman Dick Kassis asked the staff to expedite preparation of a parking permit program for the park area.

Council members found themselves disagreeing over parking, the desirability of bathrooms, their size and whether they will cause criminal activity.

But for all the debate about bathrooms, it was the parking that prompted the most of the discussion.

Opponents presented a 100-signature petition protesting the loss of parking and the size of the park. They complained that the loss of parking would hurt small businesses.

“This is not the best park possible. You ignored 100 signatures on the petition. You think you can do a better plan than us,” declared Michelle Resslar.

The bathroom debate covered everything from unisex bathrooms to if roof pitch would allow tossed balls to roll back down (it will). Council members agreed initially that there should be a bathroom, although the plans before them had deferred the bathroom question to a later time. As the discussion continued, however, some members wavered.

Several residents cited what they called the “fear” factor or the possibility of crime occurring in the bathrooms. They argued that nothing would ever be accomplished if fear prevailed in public projects.

Mayor Nora Davis, in sometimes blunt language, warned that criminal types would be drawn by the bathrooms, particularly prostitutes.

Prostitution in Emeryville “is a reality of where we are in this city at this time,” Davis said.

“At present, we are making a mistake,” Davis continued, calling the bathrooms an attractive nuisance that could force other people out of the park.

Councilman Ken Bukowski, a supporter of bathrooms, countered “We should be trying to solve the problem rather than give up and let them take it.”

Yet, moments later, Bukowski found himself ready to change sides.

“We’re not giving a great number of people consideration. I certainly favor the park,” he said only in the next breath to wonder “if we should move to consider changes. I really do think this park is too big.”

Bukowski’s doubts eventually made him vote against the park plans, along with Vice Mayor Ruth Atkin

Maurice Kaufman, acting public works director, said unisex bathrooms would allow smaller facilities, but Councilman Dick Kassis said they would be the only public bathrooms in the area.

Kassis presented the council’s and the city’s park-parking dilemma. “I know the people here are mad. We don’t intend to blow you off. Everything we do here is balanced­­­—one need against the other. This is a park for that end of town,” he said.

“The balance tells me we can’t build now and leave room for parking and then make it bigger later. If we don’t do it now, it will never happen. It’s going to be the only park on the north end of town because of the cost,” he continued.

John VanLandinham is a writer for The Emeryville

Connection. If you have a question or comment, please contact him at ecocnews@gmail.com