MISSION VIEJO : Residents to Ask City to Take Over Centers
Faced with losing one or more of five recreation centers serving the community, more than 100 residents are expected to ask the City Council at a special public hearing tonight to take over the sites.
The hearing was called by the council three weeks ago when angry citizens filled the council chambers to protest the sale of Sierra Recreation Center to a school for disabled youngsters.
The five recreation halls are owned by the Mission Viejo Co., builder of the planned community. With the city’s land almost totally developed, the company is looking to sever its ties to Mission Viejo, and residents fear that the recreation centers will be sold off.
“We would like the city to step in and do something before the character of Mission Viejo is changed,” said Patti Bennett, a Sierra Center member.
Wendy Wetzel, a Mission Viejo Co. spokeswoman, said the Sierra center was sold because of poor attendance.
The public hearing will be held tonight at 7 p.m. at the Oso Viejo Community Center.
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