Currently under consideration by the North Bay Village Commission is a purchase of another land parcel for a park. Gambling taxpayer money for non-essential items will result in much higher taxes for North Bay Village residents. NBV taxpayers have subsidized Vogel Park for at least five years, not including the construction phase.

That property was purchased in the Geller administration for $4 million, while other land with similar square feet and water frontage was listing for sale at $1.9 million.

The park was promoted as improving the quality of life for North Bay Village residents, but few people use the park. We cannot afford this kind of tax burden and no improvement in the quality of life in this current difficult fiscal environment.

Though much public attention has focused on soaring state and national debt, the increase in local IOUs has sparked worries that the next generation in some communities will face crushing tax hikes.

Adding non-essential debt is not a good use of taxpayer funds in this uncertain environment. We are trying to attract business to North Bay Village as a lower-cost alternative to surrounding cities, yet we are considering increasing costs for a business to move into North Bay Village. That makes no sense.

There have also been multiple public presentations for a boardwalk on the north side of the causeway that runs through North Bay Village. Significant funds have been spent on studies for this project. The city needs more businesses to improve the tax base and attract more residents. A boardwalk would help the businesses attract more clients. Why not focus on projects already under study that might actually improve the quality of life for the residents, and help lower taxes when businesses move into the city?

We do not need another park in a waterfront location. I use Vogel Park in the mornings weekly. Usually there is only one other person in that park, so I do not see how another unused park will help the community. Buying another non-essential, non-revenue generating property at this time would be an irresponsible use of the tax payers’ funds. The commission needs to save taxpayer funds, not find more ways to spend our funds.

James Carter, North Bay Village