Clayton Hill
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
The city desired input regarding the two proposals for the MSP property; I had already taken the survey online which clearly showed the Chesterfield proposal meeting requirements of the RFP better than the Farmer option. Most of the Farmer proposal was irrelevant to the MSP property, and the last thing this city needs is more parks in that vicinity. The News Tribune's opinion of May 17 also favored the Chesterfield option - with a well-heeded warning that the convention center right now may be way ahead of the city's needs - especially in this current no-mass-gathering environment. Of special interest of the Chesterfield proposal are ice rinks. Maybe the existing Washington Park rink could be relocated as much equipment is somewhat standalone and building is a pre-fabricated structure which could be disassembled.
Interesting, an opinion of the MSP issue was voiced by a lady on Facebook inquiring as to whether this could be an option toward expansion of the National Cemetery. Discussion there was repetitive toward previous federal denial as to a separate cemetery at Jefferson City. But, the close proximity to the existing cemetery may be something the Veterans Administration could accept as an option to expanding the cemetery abutting the existing property. Call it an annex to the existing.
Regarding the city's lack of action on the existing action to expand the cemetery at the Miller Street Park location, what is the delay? Mr. Spalding? Mayor Tergin? City Council? Public and veterans' input clearly voiced approval of this action at the Parks committee meeting in February with an overwhelming majority of the committee in favor - yet no action by the city at a time when city staff are certainly not overloaded. This action needs to advance to the VA. There is no excuse for the inaction - other than to appease the minority against the action. Doing nothing or delaying application to the VA is to further dishonor deserving veterans and their families. Get on with the council vote and, assuming approval, submission to the VA - and consider the annex option therein.