To the editor: Santa Monica’s neighborhood gardens aren’t a “wealthy particular person’s playground,” with solely well-to-do residents renting these areas, however that might change into the case if plot charges are raised by 200% to steadiness town’s price range, which is manner out of whack as a consequence of different components (“Community garden or ‘rich person’s playground’? Santa Monica gardeners fear 200% price hike,” June 17). And the rise would make solely a small dent within the metropolis’s price range issues.
Neighborhood gardens present many public items. For instance, they supply inexperienced open house, sorely missing in Santa Monica. They supply a spot to develop nutritious produce and flowers for a lot of residents who don’t have yards at their condo or rental buildings. The town doesn’t have ample parks on a per capita foundation, so the small assortment of neighborhood gardens offers a spot for residents, in addition to pedestrians and drivers, to get pleasure from viewing the flowers and the number of vegetation. The gardeners work with town to offer extra produce to others. The vegetation helps to wash the air and cut back the warmth island impact of town’s buildings and streets.
These are just a few of the general public advantages. The town ought to have in mind these advantages earlier than imposing a really giant charge improve, making them obtainable solely to the rich.
Lizbeth Bell, Santa Monica
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To the editor: Thanks, Santa Monica! Right here I believed L.A. had the lock on short-sighted, inept management, however clearly that isn’t the case. To assume {that a} 200% improve on plots of land used for wholesome dwelling, netting a whopping $30,000, would meaningfully assist offset Santa Monica’s $60-million deficit is laughable. Absolutely, the subsequent a part of this genius plan is to extend all city-related charges, like permits and parking tickets. Honest is honest, proper?
Jeff Belated, Chatsworth
