Residents urge Bassett Unified to pause Flanner property decisions and create a 2.5‑acre park
Summary
Two community members urged the board during public comment to delay decisions about the Flanner property until a new superintendent is in place and to prioritize a 2.5-acre park instead of housing development; concerns cited safety, lack of local recreation space and potential increases in crime and congestion.
Two members of the public used the board's open‑session comment period Oct. 28 to press the board to delay land‑use decisions concerning the Flanner property and to consider a community park.
Manuel Maldonado asked the board to "put a hold on any issues related to the Flanner" property until a new superintendent is in place, saying stakeholders should have input and warning that residents would contest actions at the ballot box if their concerns were not addressed. Maldonado also raised a personnel concern that he said would be handled in closed session.
Yannette Whiteley told the board she has repeatedly requested that the district support acquisition of 2.5 acres at the Flanner property for a park. "My heart is bleeding for the community, elder, and the children," Whiteley said, asking the board to prioritize a place where children can play safely rather than new housing or hotel units. She warned that additional housing would increase crime and strain local services and asked trustees not to let money alone decide the outcome.
Board response and next steps: the board did not take action on the Flanner property during the meeting; Whiteley and Maldonado's remarks were entered into the public record. No specific staff report or timeline for the Flanner property appeared on the agenda at this meeting.
