Palm Springs Uses Website To Keep Measure J Accountable

A newly launched website will keep Palm Springs residents updated on projects funded by voter-approved Measure J, a city spokeswoman said today.

The website, www.psmeasurej.com, has a photo gallery documenting the ongoing demolition of the old Bank of America building and Hamburger Hamlet and news on the city’s Downtown Revitalization Plan and creation of the Measure J Oversight Commission, city spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell said.

The site will also have updates on other improvement projects as they get under way, Blaisdell said.

Measure J was passed by voters in November to fund public infrastructure improvements and bankroll a $43 million investment in a downtown shopping center by raising the city’s sales tax by 1 percentage point, from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent. The higher levy will remain in effect for 25 years, with the increase expected to generate about $200 million over that time.

At the City Council meeting last week, the council decided the selection process for the seven-member Measure J Oversight Commission.

“I encourage anyone interested in the future of our city to visit this website regularly for the latest news and information regarding Measure J,” said Mayor Steve Pougnet.