Today: Save the Yard Set to Begin Collecting Signatures for Ballot Initiative

The Save the Yard Committee announced they will begin collecting signatures from Antioch residents in order to get a Town Square Initiative on the November ballot.

They announced that on March 19, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, they will be at the corner of 2nd Street and E Street in downtown Antioch. They will also answer any questions or concerns from residents over the current proposal and what the City has agreed to do with the property.

The Save the Yard committee needs 4,800 signatures, however, they plan to get 7,500 signatures to insure they meet all requirements for placement on the November ballot. The initiative would prevent the Beede Lumber Yard from being developed into 18-condos and instead ensure that it becomes a town square for the community.

The group was formed after residents in the Rivertown District tried to work with the City and it’s council for nearly a year. When a proposal was to be submitted, the city rushed into a closed session meeting and approved the development of 9-parcels, including the Beede Lumber Yard at an August 25 meeting with City Ventures.

Although the meeting and agreement was legal, members of the community were taken by surprise and did not feel their voices were heard or given a fair chance to turn the property into a park-event center.

Back in September, a group of 75 stormed City Hall highlighting how the city council and city staff broke their promise to residents. Wayne Harrison stated the following:

It was then requested by Lori Ogorchock to be put on a council agenda so that the details could be discussed.

The next thing we knew its behind closed door without any discussion. Without us about our proposal where 4 of 5 of you voted to go forward with negotiations to build on this property. No consideration for our proposal at all.

This is not only a slap in the face to Celebrate Antioch Foundation but a slap in the face of every resident of Antioch who have been telling you for years that there number 1 concern is the lack of communication and lack of the council listening to the will of the people

Joy Motts, advocating to save Beede Lumber Yard

This week, Joy Motts stated they can now begin collecting signatures and hope the community gets involved to preserve a part of the city’s history.

“The site sits within one block of the founding place of Antioch, is the focal point entering historic Rivertown from A Street and Southeast Antioch, and provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Delta. Because of its historic location and proximity to Rivertown businesses, we believe it’s best use to be as an event center, town square, and multi-use park that will fulfill Antioch’s General Plan request for development of such a venue,” said Joy Motts. “By adopting this ordinance, the City of Antioch will forever provide its citizens with a link to its history, a connection to its Delta environment, the people needed to revitalize Rivertown’s economy, and an unsurpassed location for gathering and celebrations.”

Save the Yard is hoping to raise around $20,000 for the campaign as the funds will be used towards an initiative, negotiations or litigation and disclosed as required by the Fair Political Practices Commission. To donate, click here.

For more on Save the Yard, visit www.savetheyard.com