I like to think I know a lot about everything when in all actuality (and I do truly realize this) I only know a little bit about a lot of things. I’m not always right and contrary to some people’s beliefs I am not always wrong either.
So here is something I don’t understand ….infinitely. Why can the parks levy in Bedford Township not pass? There has been some great commentary on this on the Bedford Now Chatter and I can appreciate a lot of the comments on both sides of the argument.
Such as the commentary made by those opposed to the levy:
- It only seems to be Ohio residents at the parks (Carr Park’s parking lot was used as an example)
- While it isn’t a lot of money many of us don’t have the added expendable income.
And some of the commentary for the levy:
- On a house with a taxable value of $100,000 the levy only increases taxes $17.50/year. How can you not come up with a little more than a dollar a month?
- We live in a great community that deserve better parks.
This past levy was specifically for the upkeep and maintenance of our parks. I think there is still significant backlash occurring in the township due to the purchase of the land where Lewis Anstead Park will(may) stand. I lived outside the township’s limits at that time and admittedly don’t understand the backlash. I also think, but don’t know, that the township used to have money set aside in the General Fund for the parks however due to the economic struggles that money has been diverted.
The issue that bothers me, outside of wanting my children to be able to enjoy the parks in Bedford, is that increasing the number of parks and maintaining them properly is probably the least expensive cost to us as taxpayers to increase our property values. Studies have been conducted to show that parks, green lines, golf courses, et cetera can all have a positive effect on our property values.
Another issue is far different and it’s that of a stigma – that stigma is to be the best. I am proud to live in Bedford Township but we lack in so many things. Parks, for one, are laughable when compared to some of the other suburbs such as Sylvania, Maumee, and Perrysburg. I once envisioned a Pacesetter Park type setting where they’re building the Summerlyn development at Secor and Smith roads. There would be other economic benefits to this type of development in the township including bringing softball and baseball tournaments to the area. The fact that we have no lighted baseball/softball facility in the township is depressing as well. Off the top of my head I know for a fact that Toledo, Bowling Green, Sylvania, and Maumee have these facilities.
Another huge issue facing this township is the lack of things to do. Outside of ForestView Lanes and the volleyball courts there what is there for young adults and teenagers to do in this township? This is not largely different from my youth. About the only difference is the construction of the Francis Family YMCA (and thank God for that).
Recently some young residents of our township, who have allegedly not been in trouble before, were arrested for vandalizing property and making Molotov Cocktails. Now, I am not trying to excuse the poor judgment that was exercised here by these individuals but I am almost willing to bet that these poor choices and lack of judgment partially result from an infinite sense of boredom.
We, as a township, must develop ways to encourage and promote businesses that cater to the youth of this township to invest here. Our dollars are clearly being spent elsewhere! In places where those dollars could easily be spent here. These are places like Maxwell’s (a coffee house), various concert venues like Headliner’s and Club Bijou, movie theatres, etc. Bringing these types of businesses to the township increases jobs, increases the money flow in the township, and presents a more desirable image. We’ve done a wonderful job bringing in businesses that cater to the adults of this community; it is now time to step up for the teenagers and young adults.
And yes, I think parks are a piece of that puzzle. It may seem silly and considering our current parks it may be. However, we have to think on a larger scale – something like a Pacesetter. Perhaps a place where people can ride and race dirt bikes (like in Delta, OH) or any other number of things that people enjoy. I know this could be an economic benefit not only to the township but to all of us.
