The Solvang City Council recently approved the creation of an ad hoc committee to explore the possibility of purchasing 16 acres of land near Alamo Pintado Road to create a regional park.
The council voted 4-0 at its April 9 meeting to establish the committee, which will be headed by council members Joan Jamieson and Tara Wood. Mayor Jim Richardson abstained from the vote because he lives within 500 feet of the property, which used to belong to Western Nursery.
If purchased by the city, the acreage would be added on to nearby Sunny Field Park.
Solvang City Manager Brad Vidro said the park could be a good opportunity for the city, but the $1.4 million asking price is a little steep, especially considering the economic climate.
“There’s the $1.4 million cost to purchase the land, but there’s also the costs to develop and maintain it,” Vidro said.
The committee is expected to explore possible funding sources for the park. County officials have already said they won’t be able to contribute to the project financially.
Vidro said some funding ideas that have been “kicked around” in the past include seeking donations from the community or creating a recreation district that could generate parcel tax revenues.
Jamieson said she and Wood plan to approach some community members about joining the committee soon.
This article appears in Apr 19-26, 2012.
