Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the June 29 article , and an information document provided by San Jose City Councilmember Pete Constant.
Let me briefly comment on the "misinformation" (San Jose) Councilmember Pete Constant is trying to put over on readers of the Patch. As usual, politicians bend, stretch and/or lie about the facts of a situation just to make sure the public follows their intended directions. Here are just two facts that the Councilman's comments don't factually address:
1. Thirty parking spaces: The city is to build a new parking lot having 30 spaces for cars. The lot (according to the agreements with Mitty High School) is to be reserved for use by Mitty High School students—(Monday through Friday approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.)—during the school year. In addition, the agreement states the City will post signs to indicate this fact.
Notice no mention of this fact. Is this customary for a city to build a parking lot on public land and then reserve the use of the spaces solely for a private group?
2. Field use: The exclusively for Mitty High's use. ",” Constant wrote in the Myth vs. Fact sheet."
Notice these hours coincide with the time that the district's/neighborhood's children/students are getting out of school and would normally go to the park to play. How will they do this when the parks use will be reserved for a private group. And this is supposed to improve the benefits to citizens of the neighborhood and district???????????
From the initial meeting at which the City (of San Jose) first exposed its plans to the District all the attendees have been citizens who oppose the plan as it exists. Even up to and including the meeting at which the Council voted on moving forward with the plan—not one citizen or neighbor of (San Jose) District 1 has stepped up in favor or support of it.
The only representatives for the renovation have been Mitty High's personnel and spokespersons. I ask the question of the Councilman: Doesn't it seem obvious as to who are the supporters of this one-sided agreement?
Note: The Joint Use Agreement is for 13 years with an option to have it extended for an additional 12 years, bringing the contract “arrangement” between the City and Mitty High School out to 2038. There is no mention or accounting for any possible inflationary cost that may occur the duration of the "agreement".
By Harry Gingeresky, a District 1 resident in West Valley San Jose
