BRENHAM CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PLACEMENT OF AIRCRAFT IN CITY PARK
The Brenham City Council approved the placement of a retired F-111 Military Aircraft at their meeting yesterday afternoon (Thursday).
The Director of Public Works Department for the City of Brenham, Dane Rau has worked with Don Holley and Ben Seeker on this aircraft project. Holley says that the best spot to place the aircraft would be in Henderson Park as this location is out of the flood plain, has adequate room, and has adjacent parking for visitors. All funds for this project would be raised by Holley,
Holley needed the Council’s approval before he could move forward with this submittal to the Air Force.
Dane Rau also spoke on the need for stop signs at the intersections of Key and West Chauncy Streets as well as Key and West Mansfield Streets. Rau says that the intersections currently have yield signs and that the addition of stop signs would make the flow of traffic safer for the community.
Also approved at yesterday’s (Thursday) meeting: re-adopting the guidelines and criteria for granting tax phase-in in a reinvestment zone created in the City of Brenham and Dr. Walter Jackson, the Brenham ISD Superintendent was approved for recommendation to the Main Street Board.
I find it hilarious that most of the commentary here seem hysterically up in arms, over a self-funded historical monument. Yet, there is more than one recent story reporting that the Federal Bureau of Land management is seeking to destroy the city water supply, which has garnered no commentary.
I saw plenty of comments below the article(s) about BLM leasing at Lake Somerville, and when I last checked, they were still there.
I am a young veteran and I am opposed to the plane ‘monument’ for two reasons. First, I’ve visited many similar installations in municipalities both large and small, across the nation, and I’m often saddened to see that they are often neglected, dingy, and surrounded by trash left behind by park visitors. They may have seemed dignified and inspiring at the time of installation, but can all too easily instead remind of us of the widespread apathy and detachment this country suffers, reflected by the deplorable surroundings. I am NOT suggesting that Henderson Park is trashy (it’s my favorite park), or that the installation would necessarily be neglected. I only intend to remind the discussion that birds land, take off, and poop on such installations on a daily basis, and the aluminum skin of the wings and fuselage is easily dented when walked or leaned upon. Attractively and effectively fencing around such a large aircraft is challenging, at the least, as is cleaning bird poop off it weekly. I have yet to see any long term maintenance plan affirmed by the city, and I would hate to see the aircraft become a dented, dirty and grafitti-covered victim/ reminder of our nation’s capricious mood shifts.
As well, I think the installation location might be better considered in light of the upcoming plans for the park south of the loop behind Walmart. It just seems neat to me that one of the few hidden benefits of the elevated loop could be the view passersby would have of an eye-catching aircraft floating off the side of the freeway. Maybe some of them would stop to check it out…
I am very upset about some of the comments made about high crime rate in Henderson Park. Every park seems to have its issue. I feel this was targeted because it’s a all black neighborhood. Well turn to the Brenham Beat I see more crime rate going on at Blinn and Walmart parking lots. Oh don’t forget Jackson street park its full of criminal activities. If the person wants to put the project there and invest. I am sure they have done their research on everything.
It is not an “all black” neighborhood.
Sounds like you might be the one with the bias here.
This is unbelievable! Placing that aircraft in a high crime area is ludicrous. It promises to be vandalized within minutes of being placed there. Who is paying for the upkeep and repairs made to this aircraft? Are funds going to be raised for this also or are the citizens of Brenham taxes paying for this? This doesn’t sound like the actions of a city that just laid off employees due to it’s bad financial state! Does this also suggest that the city of Brenham needs a change in the city council and upper level management?
City Official
The City of Brenham is only authorizing the placement of the aircraft in a City Park. All costs will be the responsibility of the applicant if the aircraft is received. The City of Brenham will not be spending money to refurbish, transport, or erect the aircraft in the park.
Did you people read the FULL news briefing? It doesn’t seem to me that this will cost the city anything…”All funds for this project would be raised by Holley, Holley needed the Council’s approval before he could move forward with this submittal to the Air Force.” Our tax dollars are not being used for this project!
I will heartily concur with the concerned taxpayer. If yoi wish to honor veterans, don’t ut a fighter jet in a park, ensure that they get the best care as ;possible at a VA Hospital and clinic. Make sure they are compensated for all injuries suffered during their tine in service. What’s more let’s quit making so many veterans by starting war after war. The games we play say much about us. I am delighted that young people come to the park to swing, go on merry go rounds, play basketball, baseball and softball. Putting a fighter jet in a park suggests these healthy activities are not for fun and friendship but preparation for war.
There is no connection between placing this jet in one of our parks and veteran health care. The City of Brenham can spend as much or as little as they like on parks and VA care will not be affected. Federal budgets are in no way connected to our local budget.
Secondly, there are no games being played here. There is a debate about whether or not to place a retired plane in one of our parks as a monument for our veterans. It is also a real stretch to say that placing a plane in a park somehow taints the people by suggesting that said play is preparing people for war. This is simply not a logical statement.
I am afraid this misses the point. Putting a fighter jet serves no purpose for a place for recreation, for joy, fun and the celebration of life. It does not honor veterans but rather celebrates war. We do not honor the veterans by celebrating war.. Anthropologist a plenty will say that the games children play is indicative of what a society holds as important.
There was not a point missed, an opinion was shared with incorrect facts to support that opinion, nothing more. I never advocated placing the plane in the park nor did I oppose it, I just simply pointed out the mistakes in the flawed argument that was presented. The statement that a plane displayed like that does not honor veterans is an opinion that really can’t be quantified until the actual details of the display are known. If you oppose the plane that is your right, but stating an opinion as fact is misleading to people who may read these comments. Secondly, there is zero evidence that the display of retired plane in a park will in any way alter the way children play. Finally, one might could also argue that such a display might inspire some children to want to serve our country in the military and that sir is a good thing!
Henderson Park? I give it a month before it gets vandalized.
Was this unanimous? If not, who voted nay please? Thank you.
I am thankful for our veterans and grateful for their services. I am proud to live in this county and glad that there are such nice parks to visit. However, I do not see the need not the justification to spend the money necessary to find the project of installing a decommissioned war aircraft in one of our city parks. How much is this really going to cost when all is said and done? $50,000 for transportation and installation. What about the price tag on the plane, necessary foundation, fencing, barriers, lighting and security, and any insurance involved? This will probably push to $100,000 if completed.
Why not spend that money on something more worthwhile? Look around town, and on 290 and 36, how many street lights are no longer working (or have been knocked) that need to be repaired or replaced? How about repairs to the city streets, utilities, sidewalks, etc.? How about tearing down run down buildings? How about spending that money to fight crime, drugs, and violence? How about helping the poor or needy? Or helping provide better education?
A relic of war such as a plane will do none of the things listed above.
If you would look into it more you would find out that the project is being funded by a private citizen and not your precious tax money.