South Shore Center - Who's not supporting?

3/9/11

The South Shore Center is owned by Deephaven, Greenwood, Excelsior, Tonka Bay and Shorewood. In mid-2009, Shorewood volunteered to operate the Center for three years and did not ask the other owners for any financial participation. Since then, it's cost Shorewood taxpayers more than $40,000 for capital and operating expenses.

The Center Manager has made a strong case that an electronic sign is needed on Hwy 19 so Center users can find the building. Some rental customers have pointed out that lack of such a sign is a big problem and limiting how attractive it is to rent the Center. A sign is expected to cost more than $20,000.

Deephaven and Greenwood have voluntarily contributed toward the sign purchase as have a number of individual donors but, there is a huge gap between funds available and what's needed. At the last Shorewood Council Meeting, it appeared that Shorewood would be willing to provide significant funds for a sign, but perhaps not enough to close the gap.

Excelsior and Tonka Bay residents are the largest users of the Center after Shorewood residents. Neither of these cities has made any contribution toward the sign or any thing else at the Center. However, some council members and residents from both of these cities were outraged when it appeared that the Center might close in 2009.

Where's the outrage and commitment when it comes to helping support the Center now?

Happy Reading!
The Insider