We don’t know all the details yet, but one hopes this isn’t another story, of too many in the region lately, of developers with plans vitally needed by the community—the Mall and the condo Tower come to mind—but without the staying power, either of funding or expertise, to complete the projects.
Oak Park leaders want Kevin Johnson to act
By Phillip Reese and Terri Hardy - Bee Staff Writers
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Oak Park community leaders expressed frustration Monday with ex-NBA star Kevin Johnson's management of many of his properties, calling for him to develop them soon or sell them to someone who will.
Many also said they still hold out some hope the Oak Park native and his organizations will eventually come through on their promises of urban renewal.
"I'm trying to think optimistically that they are going to see the light," said Joany Titherington, a board member with the Oak Park Neighborhood Association.
But reacting to concerns from neighborhood residents, the Oak Park Redevelopment Advisory Committee said Monday it has called for Johnson's organizations to report on the status of his properties, many of them unkempt lots or dilapidated buildings, at a public meeting next month.
"I feel like we are hearing the same things over and over," said Beth Kivel, a member of both the redevelopment committee and the neighborhood association. "I'm just not sure what is holding him up."
