Millions sitting idle for parks

Despite demand for more green space in Los Angeles, the city has $129 million in developer-paid funds for parks sitting in an account just waiting to be spent, according to an audit released Thursday. Kerry Cavanaugh in the Daily News.

Cumbersome and unrealistic spending rules are part of the problem, but the backlog is made worse because the Department of Recreation and Parks has not yet developed a plan to effectively dole out the money, City Controller Laura Chick said.

"It is hard to fathom that as the city faces a $300 million budget shortfall, we have $129 million intended for our youth, families, seniors and pets sitting unused and gathering dust," Chick said.