Jul 8, 2009
Details Emerge On Delay Of Bush Security Gate
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There is new information about former president George W. Bush’s Dallas neighborhood. The entrance gate that Mr. and Mrs. Bush have offered to install has been delayed for months. Now CBS 11 News has learned some details on the cause of that delay.
Former president Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, and most neighbors in the Preston Hollow edition hoped to have a gate installed at Daria Drive and Meaders this past March.
But as of July 8, the Bushes and their representatives haven’t submitted plans for the gate to the City of Dallas for review and approval.
CBS 11 News has learned that one homeowner in the neighborhood still has concerns about the gate.
While the Bushes have agreed to pay for installation, it would be up to a newly created neighborhood association to pay for gate upkeep. Details are still being ironed out, but each homeowner on Daria Place and Daria Drive could have to pay between $500 and $750 a year to be in the association. So far, not everyone has agreed to join that association.
Most homeowners want the gate installed to keep curiosity seekers from roaming their neighborhood. That problem has been apparent since last December after the Bushes announced they were moving to the area.
Earlier this year, the city council voted to restrict traffic on the public street. That action added a layer of security and provided some relief to homeowners.
The U.S. Secret Service says its mission, to protect the Bushes, doesn’t change with or without a gate.
Rob Saliterman, a spokesman for the former president, said, “They are hopeful an agreement can be reached shortly.” Officials with the City of Dallas say representatives for the Bushes have scheduled a meeting with the city next week, to discuss the gate.
CBS 11 News was the first to report Tuesday night, that the Dallas Police Department removed three SWAT Team officers who were assigned to help the Secret Service. The move was made in an effort to save the cash-struggled city $300,000 a year.
While DPD has removed SWAT Team officers, the department is still working with the Secret Service to provide necessary security for the former president.
*** VIDEO TO THE RIGHT ****
http://cbs11tv.com/politics/George.W.Bush.2.1077936.html
Why should that be a City cost and not a Federal cost?