City to sell real estate?

During Monday night's budget talks, 1st Ward Councilwoman Esther Estrada said an unnamed entity has expressed interest in purchasing the Norton Recreation Center, which is near San Bernardino International Airport.

The rec center and Galaxy Grand Ballroom or slated for closure in interim City Manager Mark Weinberg's new budget cut proposal. The move would lead to a pair of layoffs and is projected to save about $40,000 between April 1 and June 30.

City Finance Director Barbara Pachon said staffers are compiling a list of real estate that could be sold, although Weinberg said it could be difficult to close land deals quickly in the current economic climate.

However, Estrada emphasized that the city may have a ready buyer and that she wants officials to move quickly to sell surplus land when possible.

Mayor Pat Morris said it may be difficult to sell the property under current federal law because the U.S. Air Force gave the facilities to San Bernardino for recreational purposes after the closure of Norton Air Force Base. Morris said he would contact Reps. Joe Baca and Jerry Lewis regarding any necessary legislative action to allow a sale.