How not to work with the community.

 

The Coalition for the Capitol Crescent Trail (CCCT) worked out a deal with Minkoff Construction Company, that would give Minkoff the right to park on CCT land in return for landscaping improvements and a rest plaza. Seems like a good private-public partnership, no?

But on August 29, after seven years of negotiations, Minkoff backed out of the agreement without having spent a dime on improvements and continues to park company vehicles, for free, on the publicly owned CCT right-of-way. As a result the CCCT, the Citizens Coordinating Committee for Friendship Heights, and the Montgomery County Planning Board have all come out against the agreement. Statements have been issued. Tersely worded letters have been written.

Minkoff said the delays stemmed from the project’s plans exceeding the original budget. He originally agreed to spend $165,000 to redesign the 30,000-square-foot space, which included the paving of 11 parking spaces exclusively for Minkoff Construction, 25 spaces for the use of both Minkoff and the public, and five spaces exclusively for the public. The project would also include amenities for the trail users like benches and a water fountain, along with improved landscaping. ‘‘That was the project, $165,000,” Minkoff said. ‘‘Unfortunately...the project escalated to some $400,000.

Ultimate responsibility for handling the situation lies with County Executive, and candidate for Governor, Douglas Duncan.