HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-21-2017 Item 17, MulhollandCOUNCIL MEETING: 3 - 21 ' 1 ^G;- V-■ v r - u
ITEM NO.: 1, MAR 2 0 2017
SLO CITY
From: Christine Mulholland <
Sent: Sunday, March 19, 2017 11:01:37 AM
To: E-mail Council Website
Subject: Open Space
Dear Mayor and Council members,
In case you did not see my letter to the Tribune, it is copied here:
The March 2 Viewpoint offered by the young man seems written by someone who wants what he wants, when
he wants it,
without any understanding of how the Open Space Program was established and for what purpose.
The 1994 Open Space Element of the General Plan, the city constitution, spelled out what the community
wanted.
Then came the 1995 Saving Special Places, a report prepared by the Land Conservancy, a study of open space
values in the
proposed greenbelt. I recommend interested persons take a look to understand the impetus behind the efforts of
many to preserve
and protect the various resources surrounding our town.
The primary purposes include separation from encroaching sprawl and preservation of important natural and
cultural resources.
Only secondarily is passive recreation included. Open Spaces are not parks, where active recreation is
encouraged.
In spite of the desires of some to access these protected spaces at will and without regard to the needs of the
flora and fauna therein,
the public has long supported the Open Space Program with respect for the needs of the natural environment.
The residents of our town have agreed to pay a lot of money over the years to secure Open Space under the
existing rules
codified in the Open Space Element. That support may evaporate if you decide to change the rules after the
fact. Please do not
succumb to the desires of a few over the express wishes of the rest of the community. Beef up your
Park&Recreation offering
to provide other outdoor/after dark recreational opportunities without dishonoring the express wishes of those
who have paid
to preserve Open Space.
Sincerely,
Christine Mulholland
San Luis Obispo