Two groups hoping for Measure J funds present cases for Sustainability Commission backing

The Oswit Land Trust and Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organization presented proposals for their Measure J community-initiated projects to the Sustainability Commission last week, hoping to get its backing.  

Both projects, with costs yet to be estimated, are related to enhancing natural areas in the city with sustainability in mind. 

The Tahquitz Creek project aims to create a scenic, accessible, and enjoyable greenway along the creek that enhances its natural qualities, provides community interaction opportunities, and ensures safety and engagement for diverse trail users. 

Additionally, it aims to highlight the local history, culture, and environment while respecting the creek’s functional role and improving water quality.

“There is a really underutilized asset for the city in terms of a linear park opportunity,” said Eric Borsum, a representative from the Tahquitz River Estates Neighborhood Organization, regarding the natural areas to the side of an existing pathway along the creek.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen a decline in the number of trees [in the area] that have never been replaced.”  He said fewer trees mean less shade, making it too hot to walk around and enjoy. 

“There are lots of really wonderful areas at the creek where the landscape emerges that could be naturalized and provide better quality environments,” said Vaughan Davies of the Tahquitz Creek Yacht Club.  

If the funding is secured, Davies hopes the area will become a popular social place within the city. 

“It can not only be a people place but also [a place] for critters to create a continuous corridor from Prescott preserve all the way up into the Tahquitz Canyon,” he said.  

The Oswit Land Trust application, associated with the planned Prescott Preserve at the site of a former golf course,  would help to create a butterfly pollinator garden, said Tamara Hedges, an OLT representative. If funded, it’s hoped that the project will provide an important resource for native wildlife and enjoyable opportunities.

Hedges said that pollinator gardens provide many benefits that people enjoy daily. Native pollinators include species like butterflies, hummingbirds, and many beneficial insects.

“Our fibers, food, and medications would not exist without pollinators. So we need to protect them,” said Hedges. “The project would very much enhance some beautiful open space that already exists there and create a community resource for residents and visitors to enjoy and learn about our native species.”  

Part of the new Measure J application for funds asks whether the applicant sought feedback from city departments or commissions. Hence, the appearance before the Sustainability Commission.

While commission members were receptive to the presentations, not enough members were present for a quorum, so a formal vote could not be taken.

However, the commissioners present were positive about both projects and planned to include them on the September agenda.

Measure J is a one-cent sales tax approved by city voters in 2011. A portion of the tax is used each year to fund projects initiated by community members. The city’s Measure J Oversight Commission gathers community submissions and makes funding recommendations to the City Council.

The council unanimously voted earlier this month to place a measure on the November 2024 ballot that would remove the sunset clause from the Measure J tax. If the measure is approved by voters, it would continue indefinitely rather than expiring in 2037 as currently scheduled. Measure J provides over 10% of the city’s general fund revenue.

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