2nd Street Park Property Owner Wants It Fenced Off
2nd Street Park
Crews hammer and chip away at cement slabs that made up the walkways on the second street park in Yakima.
The statue, known as "Stargazer," and two peices of art will be put in storage after the property's owner, Terry Powell, told the city she no longer wanted the land used for a park -- instead a fence is going around the lot.
"Putting a fence up could be dangerous of course. Kids climbing up the fence, kids climbing down, somebody being inside of that fence not being able to get out. I don't know what else, I just think it's bad to have a fence up there, it's going to look bad," said Daniel Garcia.
A developer was looking to purchase the land and build a Starbucks, but the city rejected that application, saying the proposed drive through was too close to a major intersection.
Another big concern about putting a fence around the park is how it will affect nearby businesses.
But some business owners say it won't make a difference.
Jim Rosal owns a tattoo shop right next to the park.
Rosal says the fence is a minor annoyance, but won't stop people from coming in to get inked.
"I don't think their little problem next door -- or their little fight or spat is going to mess with our business. People want tattoos, they don't really care. They're gonna seek us out no matter where we're at," said Rosal.
However, Daniel Garcia argues fencing off the property will ruin the friendly atmosphere of downtown Yakima.
"You look over there, and you see grass, and you see a nice place where you can sit -- you can walk your dog in there. But now you're just going to see a fence up there. It's gonna be like looking at a jail or a penn," said Garcia.
The city has 15 days to vacate the property -- fences around the park will be set up by October 9th.
Terry Powell, nor the city of Yakima, would comment on this issue.