Suzanne Ward: Answering questions on Greensburg parklet

Recently several letters to the editor have appeared asking questions about the sale of the parklet in downtown Greensburg, following the article “Greensburg officials questioned over sale of parklet” (Oct. 2, TribLIVE).

I can’t answer the following:

• Why are these individuals attacking two of four members of City Cribs, which purchased the parklet?

• Did former mayor Scott Brown and others who have written take time to read the city’s public meeting agenda, attend or watch the public hearing, or reach out to us directly over 16 months ago when the purchase took place?

• Why haven’t any of them attended the annual parklet clean up day over the last four years (see issues listed below). Why do they suddenly care a lot?

• Why did Brown not add the stipulation that the parklet could not be sold in the paperwork he oversaw in 1986? He took the time to specify that a photography studio could not open in the same space.

• Why did officials not have a certified commercial appraisal completed to confirm the value of $18,000 they authorized with taxpayer funds? Donations Brown speaks of have not been confirmed to have been reimbursed to the city. The market in 1986 doesn’t dictate the market 35 years later of a non-buildable lot with $0 left to fund the ongoing maintenance and updates.

Perhaps the city has budgets, minutes and records that could shed some light on these questions.

Here’s is what I can answer:

• We had a certified commercial appraisal completed. We followed all guidelines set by the former mayor.

• We have continued to hold all public annual events without interruption and promise to keep the grounds open to the public. We plan to keep the food pantry that was donated by the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department, add a free library book box and continue the Christmas tree tradition in conjunction with the Downtown Greensburg Project.

• We pay taxes on a lot that for 35 years weren’t collected — a smart fiscal decision for the city. We also pay all maintenance and repair costs, so far totaling over $20,000 and growing. Surely the author of the letter “Questions about Greensburg parklet sale” (Oct. 12, TribLIVE), who is an attorney and works at a CPA firm, understands basic economics.

The former parking space is fraught with issues including;

• Two unmovable electric transformers carrying 7,000 volts.

• Overgrown trees damaging our roof, with the gutters on buildings on either side to be replaced.

• Dislodged gateposts.

• Raised concrete and sidewalks causing safety concerns.

• Rat manifestation/dog feces.

• Drug paraphernalia that must be removed.

I invite those who are critical of the sale to host an event like the community day City Cribs hosted Aug. 21, or volunteer to beautify Greensburg, or open a business, or donate to the food pantry items posted on the Downtown Greensburg Projects page. Be part of the solution vs. a creator of problems. There are 26 dilapidated buildings — put your energy and focus into helping move Greensburg forward, or at least get out of the way.

City Cribs will continue to assist the revitalization of Greensburg that is now on the upswing. We’re proud to be hosting five new businesses and 10 new apartments across the street in the building we completed in 2020. We are excited to add two new additional businesses to the downtown area next to the parklet in 2022, with more to come.

Thank you to those who support us.

Suzanne Ward is co-owner of City Cribs.