The Town of Corte Madera purchased the Park Madera Center with taxpayers' money, which means that we, the taxpayers of Corte Madera, now own this blighted retail center. The Town Council has stated that the purchase was made with the intent of providing community facilities. While we realize construction of a new or improved recreation center may not be feasible for some time, there are viable improvements which can and should be made as soon as possible to improve the center, in order to increase its economic viability and value to the community.  Being located on the major thoroughfare through town, at the entrance to our elementary school and our town park, puts this retail center is at the very heart of our community.  For it to remain in its current dilapidated state is unacceptable. 

SPECIFICIALLY, we, the below signed residents of Corte Madera, respectfully request the Town Council and staff 1) immediately demolish the condemned former youth center building on the corner of Tamalpais and Eastman, and 2) create on this space a simple, but attractive outdoor plaza as a community gathering space, and 3) actively work to bring a quality coffee shop or small cafe to the adjacent former doctor's office space.  We believe these steps will help create a more attractive and viable center, and create a community gathering place as was the intent of the purchase.  We hope this petition will be used by the Town to convince potential cafe tenants of the market viability of this location.  In addition, we request that 4) the Town Council immediately begin to bring all matters related to the development of this taxpayer-owned retail center (and all other real estate matters) into the open, through public hearings and other transparent, proactive communication with taxpayers.  Thank you.

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