Statement before the Glenn A. Walsh

Council of the P.O. Box 1041

City of Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15230-1041 U.S.A.

Proposed Telephone: 412-561-7876

Brighton Hts. Park Electronic Mail: < gawalsh@andrewcarnegie.cc >

Recreation Center Internet Web Site: < http://www.andrewcarnegie.cc >

2005 September 6

Good morning. I am Glenn A. Walsh of 633 Royce Avenue, Mt. Lebanon. Today, I am representing no formal organization.

The proposal, by the Salvation Army, to construct a state-of-the-art recreation center for the residents of Pittsburgh sounds very exciting. However, I do share the concerns of Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle and Councilman Sala Udin, regarding the selling of city park property to a private concern.

I am not sure why a sale of the property is even being contemplated. To me, the answer is obvious.

If this land is to be used for the proposed recreation center, then City Council should do the same thing they have done with Buhl Planetarium, Carnegie Libraries, and Carnegie Institute. Lease the necessary property to the Salvation Army. Then, in the lease agreement, City Council can specify the public oversight that they feel is needed for this public property.

If this proposed recreation center is to be constructed on city park land, the property to be used for the facility should be leased to the Salvation Army, not sold.

Thank you.

gaw