Agenda Item # 11.1 - Ron Kirkish | Received 02/05/2024AOL Mail - Gilroy gardens 2/5/24, 3:53 PM
Gilroy gardens
To:
Date: Monday, February 5, 2024, 03:23 PM PST
Council members,
In regards to tonight's agenda item, ENA between City of Gilroy and the bay aquarium, I think it is important to
remind the public and the council of a few important facts.
1. Gilroy Gardens is part of parks system
2. Gilroy gardens plays an important role in our local tourism and economy. It is also the largest employer of youth
in the area providing over 400 summer jobs to local students.
3. Selling the park means we would be giving up local control to an outside group who may not have the same or
synergistic intention for the park. The last thing we would want on the 536 acres is housing!
Before entering this agreement, I urge each of the council members to vet the potential buyers and their intent. Who
is aquarium of the bay? Who is the leadership team? What is their intent? Does it align with our objectives.
As it stands Gilroy gardens is gem. It is well managed, a great place to visit and an excellent employer for our
youth.
Please use caution when entering this agreement.
Sincerely ,
A concerned citizen
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