Hi <<First Name>>:
We are ramping up our efforts to get as many people as possible to sign our petition directed at the DWP to do what they promised - refill the Silver Lake Reservoir back to the traditional 440 feet above sea level.
<<First Name>>, this means you!
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION...
We need you to sign our petition now at www.RefillPetition.com - every signature helps to mount the pressure needed to get the DWP to take action. |
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THEN SPREAD THE WORD...
We encourage you to forward the RefillPetition.com website address to all those you know who are concerned about this very important cause to refill the Silver Lake Resevoir, and thus restore the surrounding community and robust wildlife in the area.
On behalf of the "Refill Silver Lake Now" steering committee, the residents and visitors of Silver Lake - we all thank you for doing your part by signing the petition!
Jill Cordes, Co-Founder
Refill Silver Lake Now
www.RefillSilverLakeNow.com |
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THE FACTS...
▶ The DWP said at the June 30th meeting they would refill it May 1. Is that true?
Unfortunately, we don't think so. The DWP has said it “hopes” to refill the Silver Lake Reservoir, starting May 1, 2017, with a reclaimed water source. However, it is our understanding that it would take a minimum of 3 years to get the infrastructure, piping, permits and regulatory approvals needed to accomplish that. We have asked the DWP for specifics and as of now, we have not received any. So without any timetables or plans, we feel the May 1st date is truly arbitrary.
▶ What’s the difference between ‘Refill Silver Lake Now’ and ‘Silver Lake Forward’?
Our group, Refill Silver Lake NOW (RSLN), calls for the DWP to refill the Silver Lake Reservoir to the historical level of 440 feet above sea level when the current piping project is completed this December 2016. This is what they agreed to in the 2013 Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addendum. This is also what they agreed to 8 months ago when they decided to drain it. We are open to discuss and potentially support a specific plan to use reclaimed water to refill and/or maintain the reservoir in the future, but nothing is in place at this time.
The other group, Silver Lake Forward (SLF), has powerful lobbyists, consultants and park developers on its boards and boasts of wanting it to become a “world class destination.” At a public meeting on June 30th, their spokesperson said for everyone to “think big” on par “with the man who developed the Lakefront of Chicago.” In their world, the longer it stays empty, the more chance they have of convincing City Council members to allow them to develop it. The legal hoops, regulatory agencies and lawsuits that will result, will leave the reservoir empty for years. And then, even if their plan comes to fruition, traffic and congestion would overwhelm these small neighborhood streets. In all likelihood, parking lots would have to be built inside the fence, displacing wildlife and ruining the tranquility of the entire area.
▶ Are you against making the area more beautiful?
Not at all. We are open to any and all discussions as long as any beautification doesn’t delay the refilling of the reservoir as scheduled (est. December 2016). There are plenty of ways to beautify after the water is back in.
▶ People say you’re being exclusive by not commercializing the reservoir.
We argue it’s the opposite. Anyone is welcome to come and enjoy our lovely neighborhood. Until the reservoir was emptied, it was an oasis, and it will be again soon. We want to maintain this tranquil, natural area, where the protected blue herons nest and ducklings hatch. But we will not support massive commercialization of this peaceful place.
▶ Who are you?
We are a passionate group of community stakeholders that care deeply about the environmental preservation and sustainability of our neighborhood. We don’t have our heads in the sand about the relevance of water during a drought or fail to acknowledge that climate changes will affect our cultural and civic resources. We just want a future that maintains this incredible asset in our midst. Change can—and will—happen, but let’s not give the upper hand (or the last word) to the developers.
▶ How can you help?
1) Sign our petition at www.RefillPetition.com
2) Email BOTH council members: David.Ryu@lacity.org, Councilmember.ofarrell@lacity.org
3) DONATE to our cause: www.RefillSilverLakeNow.org/donations/
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