As promised a couple of days ago, the following video clips present some well-articulated commentary on the subject of the 2007 Developer Agreement in the works with City Planners and the Brown Property at Santa Fe and Lake.
The November 7, 2007 Council Meeting shown here was only a snapshot in time for the entire controversy regarding this proposed land use, requiring a General Plan Amendment. There were many neighborhood meetings Scott Brown hosted to discuss this proposed land sale, zoning change. Many people came forward and participated and it was difficult to confront the issues of property rights, community character, developer / owner profits, the common good, traffic, property values and a host of other vital questions. The clips offer a glimpse of this controversy. They speak for themselves and cover a range of issues. One in particular, voiced by a speaker in part 3, Leslie Anderson, stated a sentiment rarely covered in the press or council meetings,
"[I have children], twenty-something young adults. I'm a bit concerned about living in a community of strictly millionaires. And I would like to see our town be able to accommodate people of all economic levels."Speakers in part 1: Bill Welch, Aggie Carter, Patricia Burnand, Mary Eblen and Kathryn Baily.
Speakers in part 2: Bob Bonde, Victoria Bearden and Tricia Smith.
Speakers in part 3: Leslie Anderson, Gilbert Foerster, Nancy Meiserhelder and Gerald
Sodomka.
These speakers covered a very specific project. Can you spot the sameness of this plot over time of developer-driven culture kept out of the public's view? What has changed in the last 5 years of council majority control? The issue is front and center for us again today as Paul Ecke III presses for his own private accommodation, despite General Plan, issues of secrecy and the Brown Act, past rulings, past voter rejection of his development schemes.
Update: See Coast News Article too.
