IMPORTANT NEW DEVELOPMENT!!!
A few days ago, a new Staff Memo appeared on the County website that changes the language regarding high density housing and conversion of agricultural land to maximize County options and minimize community input.
We need clarity about the proposed language change, since our understanding so far leaves us alarmed about this sudden alteration.
This seems like a step backwards from the current Community Plan and what the GVPAC recommended, as well as what the residents have all clearly been voicing through letters and public comments over the past months (and years!).The Staff Memo is encouraging adding acreage for potential development beyond what is required. The County Planners appear to have a
"more is better" approach to planning and development, which is exactly
the opposite of what the community wants. (Click here to view Staff Memo.)
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ON ANOTHER FRONT, Montecito developer, Michael Towbes continues to lobby to pave over the San Marcos Growers property (next to Vons shopping center) with 1100+ apartments (per his 2003 proposal). This is right in the middle of the Eastern Goleta Valley! There are already alternate sites selected for re-zoning for dense development (that are smaller than San Marcos Growers), which are more than adequate for future housing needs in our area. There are many false assertions in a letter he recently wrote to the County. One states that the EGV feels it should be "exempt" from supplying workforce housing. This is factually untrue. Truth is, we already supply a high percentage of the workforce housing in the County. Clearly, Mr. Towbes has not done his homework and doesn't seem to be in touch with the expressed desires of the majority in our community. (Click here to view letter.)
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TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED (and that need to be clarified!):
- Does the Eastern Goleta Valley have an obligation to re-zone land for high density housing (Program 1.3)?
- If so, how much? What is the minimum amount?
- How much agricultural land do we stand to lose?
- Commercial and residential (mixed-use) development along Hollister.
- Patterson Ag Block (south of Hollister) - Proposed re-zoning.
- Will the specific plan provide greater protection for Urban Ag and allow for community input, or leave it open for piecemeal development?
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What takes place at the meeting this Wednesday, November 2nd, and the following meeting on Wednesday, November 16th, is critical. Decisions will be made that will impact all future development and agriculatural land use decisions in the Eastern Goleta Valley.
PLEASE attend these meetings if at all possible,
even if only for a few hours.
Location:
County Administration Building
123 E. Anapamu / 568-2000
(Corner of Anapamu and Anacapa - parking in city lot on Anacapa.)
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WHAT NEXT???
The Planning Commission's recommendations for our Community Plan will then go to the Board of Supervisors. We will notify you when the date and time of that meeting is announced.
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Visit our website for quick links to contact the Planning Commissioners,
Janet Wolf and the media.
Click on the link below, then click on "Key Contacts" on the website: http://saveourvalley.net/
Questions or information: barbk77@cox.net
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The meetings are televised while they are taking place, or can be viewed later:
TV COVERAGE ANNOUNCEMENT: Planning Commission Hearings are televised live on County Santa Barbara Television (CSBTV) Channel 20 at 9:00 A.M. in the South Coast, Lompoc, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria and Orcutt areas. Rebroadcast of Planning Commission Hearings are on Fridays at 5:00 P.M. on CSBTV Channel 20.
Please ...
Support our efforts to prevent a wholesale redesign of our community. If you care about commercial development, preserving agricultural land, or over-development in our community, please get involved by showing up, writing letters, and forwarding this email to neighbors and other concerned residents. And please check-in at our website to keep informed of the situation.
Thank you.
