Politics & Government
Survey Says: Residents Open to Selling Parks, Supporting Tax Increase for Roads
Survey feedback will be used to help city officials make potential decisions, including whether or not to sell less-used city parks.
City leaders got their first look at the results of a citywide survey that asked residents to chime in on potential decisions city officials are considering regarding parks and roads.
And the survey says:
Should Royal Oak sell less-used parks to improve parks that are used more often?
Yes: 47 percent
No: 25 percent
Unsure/need more information: 28 percent
Would you support a modest tax increase dedicated to maintain and reconstruct local roads?
Yes: 57 percent
No: 18 percent
Unsure/need more information: 25 percent
Cobalt Community Research – a Lansing-based nonprofit organization – presented the results at the city's strategic planning meeting held in the conference room in the Royal Oak police station Saturday.
Surveys were sent to 1,500 residents drawn from voter records. Responses were received from 333 residents.
At the strategic planning meeting officials were presented with a list of eight underused parks by Stewart Meek, assistant to the city manager. The list includes:
- Bassett Park, Campbell Rd. & 11 Mile Rd.
- Beechwood Park, Crooks & Walnut, N. of 12 Mile Rd.
- Franklin Park, Harrison & Mohawk, between 10 Mile & Lincoln
- Fries Park, Normandy Rd at Greenfield Rd.
- Fulton Park, Fulton & Verona Circle, north of Normandy, west of Woodward
- Maddock Park, Lincoln & Stephenson, west of I-75
- Realtor Park excess lot, Main & Sunnybrook, north of 13 Mile Rd.
- Rotary Park, Between Bembridge & Shenandoah, on 13 Mile Rd.
City Manager Don Johnson suggested Royal Oak City Commissioners make parks and roads a priority in 2014. Voters could see one or both issues on the ballot in August or September.
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