Column: Deep Thoughts, Cheap Shots and Bonbons

Are you having panic attacks, doubts, concerns or uncertainty, topped off with a sense of skepticism about the narrowing of Carson Street? If so, surprise, you are in the majority.

Know this, the project will go forward. Why? Because, the 1/8 of a cent sales tax that will fund the Downtown Carson City project had been approved by the Board of Supervisors with a 4 to 1 vote.

Those in favor were: Crowell, Abowd, Bonkowski, and McKenna; opposed Shirk. Ironically all four, who voted in favor of the tax, had also signed a non-disclosure statement with Northern Nevada Development Association (NNDA) that specifically dealt with the Capitol Mall Project. What remains a mystery: did they sign this prior to the tax increase they imposed upon citizens, or after? If it was before, some may view this as a conflict of interest.

Subject: An article written by Mr. Rotter titled: “Here’s how Carson Street projects are being paid for”.

As Carson City Engineering Manager he is in a position to speak factually about funding sources as they have been determined.

I cannot speak to the appropriateness of subject matter in Daniel's column. As for him giving his opinion about how the Downtown project will benefit Carson City, it is controversial because he was not giving his personal opinion, but rather that of a paid city employee. The letter was signed: “Daniel Rotter is Carson City’s engineering manager.”

In my opinion: some of his statements are wrong on all levels as to the role of city government. City staff should remain neutral, and not become fixated on what they deem as positive for what and how your tax dollars should be spent unless their input would clarify issues on how funds should be spent internally, in their specify city department.

Regardless if Carson Street is to be narrowed, underground utilities in this area would have to be replaced. That is a fact. The City should be using some funding from the “street maintenance funds” for removal and replacement of asphalt as they normally do on ALL projects within the community to upgrade or replace underground utilities.

I always felt the street narrowing should extend from Musser (city hall) to Williams Street leaving the frontage at the Capital Complex and the road divided. This would reduce cost and eliminate multiple problems created by the addition of parking spaces or pocket parks now in the planning stages. This area should remain unchanged, because of it historical history and beauty.

Here are a few other fun facts about the Downtown project and how your tax dollars are being spent:

1. The first two pockets (equaling 4 to 6 +/- parking spaces) North of Fifth Street, in front of the Legislative Building, will be shut down during sessions. City staff has agreed to place removable bollards to block the parking during the Legislative Session. Or, it may become a “pocket park”, not sure what this is, or how the public will access and utilize this space.

Since the public will be prohibited from using these parking spaces that their tax dollars paid for, should citizens use the Legislative parking lot?

2. Regarding parking in front of State buildings along Carson Street. Staff has passed along this message: “The State has serious concerns for a public facility where legislators and staff are targets for possible terrorist acts.” However, City staff has emphasized these areas will be developed for the Arts. Unbeknownst to you the citizen, they (city staff) have agreed with the State not to place any parking spaces in these areas. Even though it’s your tax dollars and your street, they are collaborating with the State to satisfy and soothe their (State) concerns

3. From my perspective I find it very troubling that: The city granted an encroachment permit to the owner of the Nugget, for property located on Proctor Street that took two public parking spaces. And, when it came to parking in front of the Nugget - City staff felt it was not in the best interest to put any parking along this stretch of the road way because: “They determined it was better to break up this long expanse of blank building with more landscaping”.
Well ain’t that a Nugget of an idea.

4. Keep in mind, the recently approved parking structure (which is the first phase of the Capitol Mall Project, and more than likely had been included in that non-disclosure packet that Board members signed) across the street from the Nugget, can at any time go from public parking to private parking without any interference from City.

5. Here is the most perplexing issue related to the Downtown project. The present day rendering reflects a new driveway to Sophia Street, when in fact this new drive way and street closure never attained approval from the Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors prior to the presentation made by City Staff. So how could it have been included in the drawings? How did City staff know ahead of time this would be approved by both the Planning Commission and the Board?

I said it before and I will say it again — The Downtown Project is a “Go” — there is no if’s, and’s, or but’s. However, it should be done with some type of compliance to accomplish what is best for ALL Carson City citizens not: the State; a few select groups, organizations, or project lobbyists that will directly or indirectly benefit.

— Jim Shirk is a Carson City Supervisor for Ward 4. He can be reached at (775) 720-5761 or by email, ILoveCarsonCity@yahoo.com.