Senior center plan needs more study

Information is flying about in preparation for the June 3 City Council review of the proposal to build a 45,290-square-foot, one-story senior center in Central Park instead of spending a minimum of $1 million to rehab the existing senior center. Can the Rogers Senior Center be expanded rather than spending $23 million to build one that is four times the size?

Not enough information has been shared with the public. The plan is to get the proposal approved by the City Council so it can then in July be placed on the November ballot. Are we ready to spend $200,000 to put this tentative proposal before the voters? It is too soon, and it deserves more study and some public meetings.

Where is the environmental report and an extensive feasibility study to support how the revenue will be generated by this facility through renting it out for weddings and other private events? What alternative sites might be available if there are too many roadblocks to spending less money by enlarging the existing center? Why is the proposal for a one-story structure when at least a portion of the building could be constructed at less cost as a two-story with elevator as well?

Since our city is more than 95% built out and will be 100% built out within less than 20 years, does it make sense to reduce the open space available in Central Park now, possibly affecting the Pacific flyway activity so valued in our previous plan for the linear park, Central Park and the Bolsa Chica Wetlands preservation?

Instead, let the fees Maccar Properties was charged for construction downtown be used downtown. In the 1970s, the builder of Seacliff worked a deal to use the golf course for credit for park fees. This is happening again here to the people downtown. Instead, linking the new development with a trolley system would benefit both residents and visitors or other beautification measures. Fees should benefit the area in which they are generated and not be transferred and put to another use. We need more space for seniors but not without well-thought-out planning. We do not need another problem development like what happened at the Sports Center, which is now open.

Do the due diligence first so we do it right.