Panel backs transferring funds for needy to Zablocki Park

[hue]

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/ball-fields-funding-trumps-needy-5g4it48-142724485.html

Nearly $200,000 in federal community development block grant money earmarked for housing and other programs for the poor and disabled would go instead for upgrading two baseball fields in Greenfield, under action by a Milwaukee County Board committee.

The proposed shift of the money to a Zablocki Park project has drawn flak from advocates, who said there were more deserving uses. Backers of the ball field project say it could help make Zablocki a showcase park and honor the spirit of a $40,000 donation by former Milwaukee Brewer Prince Fielder.
Fielder gave the county money that came with his most valuable player designation in last summer's All-Star game.

"I personally don't understand why a baseball field would be a priority" during tough economic times that have especially hurt poor families, Barbara Beckert, manager of the Milwaukee office of Disability Rights Wisconsin, said Wednesday. "Taking away money from programs that serve poor people is pretty disturbing."

[mysuzuki2]

1. Milwaukee County parks have been neglected for years and could

certainly use the funds. However, I don;t think this is the appropriate place to obtain the money.

[dembotoz]

2. i could not say it any better than you have

[CatholicEdHead]

3. Wow that is bad

It is consistent with how the western Milwaukee suburbs feel about inner city Milwaukee, which has been listed as the most segregated metro area in the country.