Councilman Erik Bever filed an appeal of the July 25, 2009 Costa Mesa Parks Commission decision to allow Aztec Basketball League to use the gym at the Downtown Recreation Center on Sundays. In his appeal, filed on behalf of "the citizens of Costa Mesa", Councilman Bever says that the "drop in" volleyball and basketball players were not notified of the hearing and that the neighbors of the gym were not notified of the hearing. The item will be re-heard at the Costa Mesa City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 21 at 6 PM.
Renting the gym facilities to Aztec Basketball would bring in about $43,000 per year. Currently, the "drop in" volleyball and basketball programs bring in about $3430 in annual revenue. Aztec Basketball is an established basketball league which is insured and has purchased a Costa Mesa business license. The league also agreed to give priority registration to Costa Mesa residents. Four teams currently in the league are made up primarily of Costa Mesa residents.
Costa Mesa stands to make a fair amount of money from renting the gym to Aztec Basketball. The city needs the revenue and the organized recreation activities. Recently, the Costa Mesa City Council voted to cut youth sports, mobile youth recreation and afterschool programs to balance the city budget. The money from renting the gym to Aztec Basketball could be used to help restore some recreation programs in the city.
Comments