city-wide parks differences
Once again, the city appears to be treating Concord’s neighborhoods unequally. The latest example is Keach Park.
After the long delay in installing lights at its playing fields, the issue now is something as basic as trash cans. According to the Aug. 10 Monitor article, “Gaps in park amenities scrutinized,” White Park — and presumably other city parks — has trash cans available, while Keach Park in the Heights is subject to a “carry in, carry out” policy. That approach is common in places like the White Mountains, but residents are right to ask why the Heights is again being handled differently from the rest of the city.
The city’s $196,250 cost estimate also deserves closer scrutiny. It is difficult to understand why twice-weekly trash pickup would require an additional full-time employee, a seasonal worker and a new 4 x 4 truck. A 4 x 4? That estimate seems excessive and risks discouraging consideration of the proposal altogether. Before approving that kind of expense, the city council should review how many trucks Parks & Recreation already owns and how those vehicles are currently being used. Residents deserve both equal treatment across neighborhoods and a clear explanation of how public money is being spent.