Graton reaches compromise on firehouse future
Boosters of an effort to create a community park at the old Graton firehouse property packed a 
special meeting of the Graton Fire Protection District Tuesday night.
The group, concerned that the board would accept an offer for the property without really considering an offer to lease the property to create a community park, carried signs asking for cooperation from the board.
During the meeting, the agent handling the real estate listing said she told all those making offers about the community’s desire for a park. She also said a new offer that had been on the table had been withdrawn while the interested party reviewed environmental reports.
Concerns raised about the proposed park plan included liability and the availability of a lease option if those making pledges couldn’t pay.
HolLynn D’Lil who has spearheaded the park movement said they had figured in a cash reserve to handle payment.
“And if we can’t pay, you get the land back which will be worth more because of the improvements, and keep what we have paid,” D’Lil said. “We have made a fair offer that is just $29,000 less than your asking price.”
The crowd repeatedly asked that the offer be taken seriously, and by the end of the meeting the board offered to sit down with the Graton Green Group board to address issues of concern.
“There were misconceptions that got cleared up. I am glad a lot of things came up and we are opening up more dialogue. The whole thing is about communication. You can never have too much information,” said board member Mary Jane Pedersen.
“Graton’s park supporters are really happy to be provided this last-minute miracle. We were afraid we would lose the old firehouse site from the common good forever last night. That the Graton Fire Protection District Board of Directors will be meeting with us to discuss our offer for the property is a real breakthrough,” said D’Lil.
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I’m glad that there might one day be a park in Graton again, but the obvious place for a park/town square is behind the Underwood where the old water tower is. How much would that cost?
Not for publication or attribution: Not everyone of the Graton residents is in favor of this park concept, despite D’Lil’s representation to the contrary. My concern is that if the park is developed, it will become a hangout…..or overnight residence – for the many day laborers who choose to not affiliate with the Labor Center. I doubt many “young mothers with their children” will want to spend time with such company, even though they generally act in a benign manner. Questions arise about sanitary maintenance: bathrooms, or bushes? Costs of landscape maintenance, insurance, security….have not been answered to the satisfaction of the silent community….which may or may not be a majority.
The current design as I reca’l has a row of parking for the post office along the side; this will mean all-day and evening come-and-go traffic and much observation of park doings. Like wise views from the busy bike path on the other side will be open.Low-profile design makes this easy, no Central Park hidey-holes. It is not on the “hiring route” or workers would be hanging out there now. There are more hidey-holes in the property next to the Underwood where much questionable activity happens; some of us Community Gardeners have interrupted less benign moments.
Many of the totally legit questions about site location, bathrooms, etc, have already been asked and answered, I suggest getting involved a bit and likely being reassured.