HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-02-2014 PH1 MarxThe 1994 LUE Policy 1.13.5E states in mandatory terms and expresses a standard, not a
`guideline'.
The Policy states: "Each annexation area shall help Each annexation shall help secure permanent
protection for areas designated Open Space, and for the habitat types and wildlife corridors
within the annexation area that are identified are identified in policy 6.1.1 Policies concerning
prime agricultural land shall apply when appropriate. The following standards shall apply to
the indicated areas:
E. Dalidio area properties... shall dedicate land or easements for the approximately one -half
of each ownership that is to be preserved as open space."
The 1994 Land Use Element specifically contemplated that approximately 50% of the Dalidio
property itself be preserved for open space. The current proposal offers less than the 65 acres
required by the Land Use Element policy. As stated above, the Land Use Element policy
specifically applicable to this property does not authorize off site conservation, and would
prevail over any more general provisions.
This standard has already been successfully applied to the Madonna Target property and to the
McBride (Gearhart) property, resulting in about 27 acres of ag /open space. But now, council is
contemplating allowing the current San Luis Ranch developer a special deal. As you know, I
believe this is a real mistake and betrays the clearly expressed will of city residents since at least
1994. The current developer wants the same thing that Mr. Dalidio's developers wanted, namely
the land for the interchange to be subtracted from the agricultural land. The voters specifically
rejected this concept in 2005. It is not fair to apply different rules to the San Luis Ranch property
in my opinion. Offsite mitigation does not address the fact that the Dalidio Ranch soil is the most
fertile and productive in the county.
Please understand that I support the project and believe housing is a better use for the developed
half of that land. I believe that a developer with Mr. Grossman's expertise, experience,
imagination and assets could build a wonderful neighborhood on 55 acres in that location, and
make a significant profit doing so.
RECEIVED
DEC 02 2014
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COUNCIL MEETING:
ITEM NO.: P 4 1