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Residents urge Bassett Unified to seek park rather than condos at Florence Flanner site; raise process and financial concerns
Summary
Multiple residents and community members told the Bassett Unified board they oppose the proposed development plan for the Florence Flanner site, urged that the district require a park or teen center instead of condos, and criticized an exclusive negotiating agreement and perceived lack of transparency.
Several residents and community advocates used the board’s public‑comment period to press Bassett Unified School District for a different future for the Florence Flanner site, saying the district should pursue a public park or community center rather than residential development.
Speakers raised two categories of objections: (1) concerns about community impact — traffic, parking, safety, loss of youth space — particularly for streets that would serve as entrances and exits for the proposed development; and (2) concerns about the district’s negotiating process and proposed terms, which commenters described as favoring the developer.
Why it matters: The Florence Flanner property was described in public comment as land acquired for public benefit; residents said the community expects a public use (park, teen center, senior center) and that a long‑term or 99‑year lease to a private developer would forfeit that public purpose.
Public commenters made these specific points: - A student speaker and multiple residents said the community needs parks, a teen center and other recreation spaces; parents and speakers said youth have limited places to spend time safely. (Public comment presenters: Gabriela; Erin Navasquez; Yolanda Pompa; Manuel Maldonado; others.) - Sam Brown, who identified himself as a resident, criticized an exclusive negotiating agreement with Storm Properties, said the proposed annual base rent of $350,000 for a 4.5‑acre site is below market, raised questions about a low rent escalator (10 percent every 10 years), and warned there appeared to be insufficient public safeguards if the developer failed to obtain financing or approvals. He also urged the board to exercise its statutory authority to exit the agreement with 60 days’ notice if appropriate. - Several speakers said neighborhood streets (for example, Millbury Avenue) cannot support the extra traffic and parking that a large condominium development would bring.
Board response and next steps: The board received the comments during public comment; no formal board action on the Florence Flanner site or any negotiating agreement was taken at this meeting. Board members and district staff acknowledged they are hearing community concern and noted the district will continue to brief the board as negotiations or planning proceed.
Ending: Residents pressed the district for further transparency and for alternatives that prioritize public recreation and youth services; the board did not vote on a development or lease at this meeting.
