Cathedral City: The Spirit of the Desert
Several exciting decisions came out of Wednesday’s City Council meeting:
approval to begin Phase One of the Cove sewer project – the biggest public
works project in the city’s history, approval to proceed with plans to build
a soccer park for local youth, and passage of the city’s budget for the next
two years.
Approval of the budget, the sewer project and the soccer park
project were not easy decisions. Very real issues were raised about funding
the soccer park when the city has so many other pressing needs.
Open,
positive and meaningful discussion took place at the meeting, launching what
will need to be ongoing public dialogue to see these and other projects
through.
At the end of the day (literally the meeting didn’t adjourn
until nearly 11pm) the decision was made to move forward on all of these
projects in a spirit of partnership with the community. They can only be
achieved with active public support and input.
What’s the city doing to
bring in new tax revenues?
One of the questions raised at the council meeting was what the city was
doing to bring in new businesses and tax revenue. The answer is – a lot.
Over the past years the city and redevelopment agency has worked hard to
help expand the auto center. Acura is building a new dealership, Chevrolet
is coming to the city, Toyota is starting a major expansion to its facility,
and Palm Springs Ford has plans for expanding.
Wal-Mart has been purchased
and plans have been submitted to the city, Pan Pacific, owner of the Sam’s
Club building, is negotiating to bring new tenants to the building, an RFQ
has been submitted for potential development of property east of the Mary
Pickford Theatre that includes both residential and commercial spaces,
although delayed by the need to obtain entitlements from fifteen-plus
regulatory agencies, plans are still proceeding for the Sheraton hotel and
golf course.
New businesses and new tax revenues are an ongoing focus of
the City Council and staff.
Yum!
City Council approved a lease agreement for Big Mama’s Soul Food in the
IMAX building. Real Southern down-home cooking: fried chicken, macaroni and
cheese, and other tasty dishes, and an outdoor barbecue on the weekend.
Senior Center Needs Board Members
There’s lot’s of activity over at the Senior Center. Plans are that it
will move to its new location in the fall. In the mean time, the center is
looking for people interested in serving on its board. Call 760-321-1548 or
visit the Senior Center at 68-727 East Palm Canyon Drive for an application.
They are also in need of financial donations and donations of furniture.
Some positive feedback
In the recent community benchmark survey, respondent were asked how
satisfied they were with the job Cathedral City does in providing city
services – 71% replied that they were very or somewhat satisfied. The survey
is based on calls to 400 Cathedral City residents.
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