Turlock council set to vote on project list

By Patty Guerra
pguerra@modbee.com

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TURLOCK — The City Council on Tuesday evening will consider a $20 million list of projects, ranging from a controversial contribution to a high school stadium and to a water park just about everyone agrees is needed.

Sitting as the city's Redevelopment Agency, the council is expected to vote on its project list, which must be submitted to the state this month.

The first and most expensive item is $8.4 million for a 58,000-square-foot public safety center. The rest of the construction money is expected to come through bonds.

Next is $3.2 million for improvements to the Westside Industrial Specific Plan area, designed to attract businesses and jobs to Turlock.

Work at Columbia Park, including a water play area, follow. The city has been working with residents to come up with a plan for the water feature, which will allow children a place to cool off on hot summer days.

Rounding out the list are the Carnegie Arts Center rebuilding project, acquiring downtown property and the synthetic track and field at Turlock High School's Joe Debely Stadium.

It's Nos. 5 and 7 — the Carnegie and the track — that have drawn the most passion among residents on all sides.

Some say the city shouldn't spend redevelopment money, intended to reduce blight and bring jobs, on a high school stadium project that does neither. Others say the present track and field, used by Turlock and Pitman high schools as well as youth and community organizations, is in such poor shape it's dangerous.

Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or 578-2343.