DOWNEY : Council OKs Park Site for Parade Float Storage
Despite objections from residents, the City Council has approved a plan to build a warehouse in Wilderness Park to store the city’s Rose Parade float.
The council unanimously approved a 25-year lease Tuesday to allow the Downey Rose Float Assn. to use the park for $1 a year.
Several residents who live near the park pleaded with the council to find another site, saying the building will detract from the community’s appearance and lower property values. Others said they’re concerned about noise, particularly during the round-the-clock decorating that occurs the week before the parade.
“The only thing Downey affords us is that park,” said resident Martin Trejo. “It doesn’t belong to the people anymore.”
“If I thought for one moment that this would seriously and adversely affect property values, I would be against it,” said Councilman Robert S. Brazelton.
The volunteer organization must pay the costs of building the warehouse, which is expected to be about 4,000 square feet.
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