SOUTH-CENTRAL : Businesses Critical of Parks Measure

A county ballot measure that would increase property taxes to raise $514 million for improvements to parks and recreation areas has drawn opposition from local businesses.

If approved, the measure, known as the Safe Parks Act, will raise funds to revitalize, expand and create recreation sites countywide by taxing homeowners and businesses.

Homeowners would pay a maximum of $12.50 a year, business owners $192. This tax would be levied for 22 years.

Though many local business owners said they support the intent of Proposition A, they said the county should find other sources of revenue to support area parks. Others expressed fears that the tax would cut into small-business revenue without an equal return to South Los Angeles neighborhoods.

“We’re not in favor of this measure,” said Craig Sasser, executive director of the Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce. “The general plan calls for helping other areas. There is no guarantee that it is going to be implemented to really help South-Central.”

But supporters say the measure on Tuesday’s ballot will raise funds for parks and recreation facilities in South-Central Los Angeles and surrounding communities.

Terrie Rouse executive director of the California Afro-American Museum, said improvements to area parks will attract more visitors and help local businesses.

“Anything that beautifies and creates a stabilizing force in the community will bring more business,” Rouse said.

Among other projects, Proposition A calls for:

* Employing youths in park restoration projects;

* Allocating $12 million for development and expansion of the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation area in Baldwin Hills;

* Giving $5.6 million to urban parks such as Ladera, Bethune, Carver and Owens to rehabilitate and develop their facilities;

* Spending $5 million on tree-planting in urban areas;

* Allocating $12 million in grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations to develop programs for at-risk youths, especially in South and East Los Angeles;

* Using $7 million to replace a public swimming pool at Exposition Park;

* Spending $17 million for the overall restoration of Exposition Park, including money for tree-planting, and the installation of lighting and walkways.