EDITORIAL/Lake Boondoggle | Sulphur Springs Park, a quaint, 60.05-acre spot in leafy northeastern Madison County, a weekend getaway boasting a bountiful lake, a fishermans paradise, where families host get-togethers at the pavilion, where bluebirds sing. For the fitness-minded, a 30-minute haul from Canton to lovely walking trails. Sulphur Springs Park, home to multiple ball fields, a remote paradise sure to spark economic development and inspire swank hotels and hip retail. Coming soon to Madison County (at taxpayer expense)! Lots available! This is the pipe dream Madison County supervisors are attempting to sell taxpayers. In reality, since 2010, nearly $900,000 has been spent on a piece of land so far removed from civilization that it will take Canton residents a minimum 20 minutes to get there. Since the county purchased the land, the project sat idle as tens of thousands of dollars were spent on engineering fees. Yes, engineering fees. Then, in January, the Board of Supervisors took the project out of neutral and into drive after approving a $1.5 million urban renewal bond (federal tax dollars). Later, more than $700,000 was approved as part of overall county borrowing that includes funds for park roads. Engineering fees have soared to more than $430,000 since 2010. The countys engineering firm, Warnock & Associates, has been paid for park work 33 of the past 36 months - in addition to regular county pay. Supervisor Paul Griffin is the biggest fan of the park since its in his district and close to his home. He says the media (thats us) have blasted the park for no reason and hes convinced this boondoggle will become the greatest thing ever in the metro. The supervisors are either delusional or theyre creating work for Warnock & Associates out in the middle of nowhere, reasoning, perhaps, nobody will notice. The $2.2 million wont go as far as the board thinks. At some point, that money will evaporate, which means more taxpayer monies will be needed. And then more. Hypothetically, lets say the county is able to finish this lake project with the money they have. How much more will be required for overhead? Security? Maintenance? Electricity? Water? Operating costs havent been addressed and for good reason. They dont have a clue. This project is a prime example of government spending money because it has money, not realizing that future generations of taxpayers will have to bear the costs and future generations of politicians will inherit their boondoggle. Half of the money spent on this project has been for engineering fees and the lake hasnt even been dug out yet. How much more will be spent before the project is completed? They could have dug the Grand Canyon by now. To think this project will spur economic development in the form of hotels and retail is the most misguided logic ever. Build it and they will come. No, they wont. Developers arent going to invest millions of dollars that far out in the woods with no water and sewer infrastructure or guarantees of returns. The supervisors have some prime swampland north of Madison and east of I-55 theyll sell you too.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 02:02:33 +0000
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