Tuesday, Sept. 30, 1997 | 8:04 a.m.
These public streets were designed for the public (citizens) to get from one place to another in an orderly manner. Yes, some people used these public streets as a short-cut to and from work. Should we be required to use more fuel or take more time to avoid any public street? I think not.
The so-called well-to-do in that area decided that we, the common citizens, should not be allowed to travel on (their) public streets, even though these streets were paid for and maintained by all taxpayers.
Now they want these public-owned streets to be included in their gated community.
Well, some of us feel that, if they want a gated community, they should form an association and have that association purchase these public streets at a reasonable assessed value.
This reasonable assessed value should be determined by at least three independent professional assessors and should be assessed at at least the same value per square foot as the rest of the improved property in the area would sell for on the open market.
Then, as it will be private property, the association should purchase and maintain all utilities as any other private-property owner has to on their property, including water, sewer, electric and street lighting as well as the streets. The association should also be responsible for property taxes on this private property, as we all our.
Leroy Gamble
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