Our city council is voting next month on whether to convert an old industrial lot into a mixed-use park or sell it to a private developer for luxury condos. The park would cost millions in upkeep, but the condos promise tax revenue and new jobs. I've lived near that lot for 15 years, and it's become a de facto community garden, though the soil quality is questionable after decades of factory use. Should local governments prioritize green public space over immediate economic gains when both options have real risks and benefits?