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Health & Fitness

In rebuttal of letter from Bob Staab.

Let’s look at the statements and the whole information and not just what some people want you to see.

The center was purchased for 2.1 M.  The statement made was that its values was 8.75.  What is not being told is that 8.75 was the value of the highest estimate for the entire location. The portion purchased by Vanguard is only the building a paved area. Additional to the purchase price of 2.1 M is the reconstruction of the Rec center and the rebuilding of the fields with all amenities to be owned by the county and rebuilt on Vanguard’s dime. So, to say that the county accepted 2.1M on a 8.75M property is misleading at best.

Let’s take a look at the often commented on vacancy of property in the area. Often I have encountered the comment of “there are over a hundred and sixty documented vacant stores, shops and offices in the near by vicinity.”  This is one of the key points that has been beaten like the quintessential dead horse. However though I have asked the question of “How many shops and offices total?” so that we may get a better understanding of what it means to have 160 empty locations several times. The closest I have come to that answer was “I’ll see if I can find out.” If we know how many total and how many vacant then perhaps we may see that Dundalk is not the veritable “Ghost Town” of shopping that some want people to believe. 

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They also never bring up the fact that shop vacancy is largely the responsibility and reflection of the private land owner. From what I have seen, and I have done quite a bit of reading on Vanguard, they take good care of their property and they have a healthy retention of business.

Let’s discuss the silent dastardly government raider front that is the DRC!!!

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It’s a non-profit organization, thus, it receives funding from government grants, no secrets, no hidden agenda, no spy drones. An organization who I proudly have worked with on numerous events to clean up the neighborhoods, plant trees, build civic pride, bring communities together, and help start small business in our town.

Terrible… terrible people as you can tell.

Let’s take a look at the commentary of Eastfield-Stanbrook, their programs, and what they have accomplished over the years. Generally I agree with the commentary, these groups have done a wonderful job with the location that they have, beautiful programs, and have put in a great deal of work.  All of this should and I believe will continue in the new updated location with their input for the best overall design for the community as a whole.

That said, from the conversations I have had and the Rec meetings I have attended. There is a disturbing trend towards the individual’s focus on the important nature of their project and their projects alone.  Mr. Staab comments that they do not want the Amphitheater because they feel it will be

“night time vagrancy, Rock Type Concerts, skateboarding and could pose health concerns as well as noise pollution is not wanted.” 

Any more or less of an attraction for Vagrants than the baseball dugouts?

Rock type concerts? How about classical orchestra?  Chorus? Public speaking? Traditional theater? That kind of noise pollution?

Obviously they approve of sporting events and the fireworks, so, is “Noise” defined by the activities that they enjoy and those that they do not? 

The Rec counsel was not only opposed to this valuable aspect of the design but also the children’s playground. The debate was largely over if they wanted 4 or 5 baseball diamonds.  I asked around from different organizations and individuals within those organizations of their feelings on the Amphitheater. Most groups and organizations in the are in favor of it.  The most poignant answer I received in opposition was “Well, I’m not going to use it.”

That answer… that simple, narrow viewed answer is the biggest problem we as a community face.

“Well, I’m not going to use it.”  That very mindset is a cancer within our community; we must stop thinking only of our personal pet projects, and open our eyes to see a community larger than our immediate circle of friends.

I’m not going to use the baseball fields, but I certainly believe that we need them, just as much as we need the wrestling room, the meeting rooms for ARC, the sports field for soccer/football/etc… the open theater, and the playground.  All of these are aspects of a balanced well rounded location that work together year round for a long term success.

I agree that everyone should be part of the meeting on the 10th, that we ALL have a vested interest in this build, not just those who run their individual projects.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts.

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