City council Oks Miranda stage
BRAWLEY — A request to build a stage and name it in honor of the late Miguel Miranda, a former councilmember and public figure, was approved by the city council in a 5-0 vote, Tuesday.
Miranda was a city councilman between 2009 and 2013, a Miranda member of
Hidalgo Society for 30 years and an active volunteer for youth sports and countless charities.
Eric Reyes, organizing chairman for the Community Project proposed building a stage at Hinojosa Park and incorporate part of the pillar of where a water tank now stands as part of the project in order to preserve some history of the tank.
“We approved the concept of the stage and approved the naming of the stage,” said Mayor Sam Couchman. “But there’s been no action to remove the water tank, we’re not at that point yet.”
The water tank was decommissioned several years ago since it was no longer needed, but it was not dismantled because of a lack of funding. That money to dismantle it would come out of the water fund, which is insufficient, and there are other projects with a higher priority.
“We’re pleased to name it after Miguel Miranda but details of the stage need to be worked out,” said Couchman. “My understanding is they plan to do some work on the stage prior to the water tank removal but it’s all predicated on approval of the city. Construction has not been approved, not even the plans yet. But we instructed city staff to work with Reyes on planning the stage.”
In a letter to the council, Reyes remarked the idea grew out of the knowledge the water tank would eventually be taken down since it’s obsolete. He proposes the stage be named the, Miguel Miranda “El Amigo de la Comunidad” Community Stage.
Yet even before Miranda’s passing, Reyes and others conceived the idea of a performance space as well as an area to host various events at Hinojosa Park. Reyes indicated the entire project will be completed in three phases. He has already received support from comedy and Zumba shows, community festivals and dance benefits.
Reyes has reportedly raised $25,000 for construction yet has quite a bit more to raise and still must have approval from council.
“We’re probably looking at a one- to two-year-project,” said Couchman. “And the city is looking for the money to remove the tank. It’s all intertwined. We expect the Community Project will probably return to the council in 60 to 90 days with plans but we hope the project moves forward.”