Bill Harper: Selling McClure house should require public hearings
Re “McClure Country Place: City to sell a piece of ag history” (Page 1A, Dec. 13): The city of Modesto acquired this property before I took over acquisition of land for the city, so I not familiar with the desires of either party. I did manage it for years, and I know at one time it contained furniture and other items the McClures donated to the city for its use as an historical mansion.
Two things put off its planned use: Proposition 13 and the city getting the McHenry Mansion for similar use. It’s run down and needs work, but I can’t believe this City Council can just declare it as surplus and sell it without more public input. Doesn’t this require a public hearing? A general plan amendment? An environmental review? Also, it was master planned as part of Dry Creek Park.
This is another example of politicians doing what they want regardless of what taxpayers may want!
Bill Harper, Modesto
This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Bill Harper: Selling McClure house should require public hearings."