Accurate data needed on Stables

Thanks to the Daily Herald for continuing to cover the Palatine Park District’s lack of transparency and for highlighting the concerns raised by the public during a second packed Park District meeting last week. Despite this, the executive director persists in trying to justify the high repair costs he presented to the Board on May 13, which led to the decision to close.

In a summary letter dated May 13, 2024, Benjamin Rea cited “leaking roofs” in both arenas and included a seemingly arbitrary $350,000 estimate for roof coating in his cost projections. This cost was not substantiated by the structural engineering report from JWA. Furthermore, Mr. Rea's letter indicated that completing “even just a portion of the repairs is extensive and cost prohibitive,” yet Lamp Inc.'s highest estimate for repairs based on JWA's report was $136,625, which starkly contrasts with Mr. Rea's $2.6 million estimate.

It's important for Palatine residents to understand the discrepancies between Mr. Rea's statements, which influenced the board's decision, and the findings of the JWA structural condition report commissioned by the park district. Unsurprisingly, it appears Mr. Rea's current eager push for a second JWA review to identify additional repairs is aimed only at justifying the initial decision.

To restore public trust in the park district, Mr. Rea should acknowledge the misrepresentation of the initial JWA condition report and the inflated $2.6 million estimate presented to the board. The board should act swiftly to reverse its decision and keep Palatine Stables operational until proper due diligence can be conducted, and the matter reconsidered based on accurate and complete information.

Sarah Murphy

Palatine