Just a few months ago the citizens of this area thought the lid issue was sealed. After years of discussion, planning, meetings, and input, a plan was in place to cover the Elysian Park Reservoir in such a way that there would be usable park and green space above it. But last April DWP dropped the green plan in favor of a cheaper cover: floating tin foil. They want to cover it in aluminum instead of plants, to save money. City Maven mentions it today.

There have been calls on a neighborhood list serv to speak out: a final public meeting on the issue is set for December 6 at the Department of Water and Power, at 1:30 p.m., Room 1555-H, 111 North Hope Street.

Christine Peters, head of the Citizens Committee to Save Elysian Park, urges residents to speak up, objecting to the price-chopper option in these terms:

DWP wants to cover our reservoir with an ugly, industrial-looking floating cover. If Silver Lake and other city reservoirs can have a beautiful solution, why can't we? Why is our neighborhood being singled out for an ugly, cheap solution? Please send letters to the Board of Water and Power Commissioners who will decide the fate of Elysian Reservoir on DECEMBER 6, 2011.

The negotiation over how to cover Elysian Reservoir in Elysian Park has been going on for over 20 YEARS! Now, with all the City reservoirs completed except two, and with the economy conveniently in shambles, DWP wants to sell our Community short. An attractive buried landscaped tank, the Community's choice, will create 1) additional meadow parkland with trees and playing fields and 2) maintain the visual beauty of the 40-acre canyon forever.

The floating cover will 1) turn Elysian Reservoir into an eyesore, an industrial, man-made object plopped in the middle of a beautiful 40-acre canyon in Elysian Park, 2) which will have to be replaced over and over again.

What kinda choice is that? Cluck.