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Forum to discuss S. Paula ballot issue
Measure would allow building in Adams Canyon
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Opponents and proponents of a measure that would allow development of up to 495 homes in Adams Canyon will come together in a public forum tonight at the Santa Paula Community Center.
As the city's May 8 election approaches, the forum from 7 to 9 p.m. is aimed to help voters learn more about Measure A7.
A majority yes vote on the measure would expand Santa Paula's City Urban Restriction Boundary to include Adams Canyon in the northwest part of the city. It would not mandate that development occur.
Pinnacle Development Group, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., supported measures last year and in 2002 to move the city's boundary and allow development in the canyon. Voters rejected both measures.
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More from Local NewsThe company, however, still wants to develop homes in the canyon, President and Chief Executive Officer John Lang said Tuesday. If the initiative is approved, Pinnacle has committed to meet with the citizens group supporting it to discuss the proposed development, he said.
Pinnacle owns about 4,800 of the canyon's approximate 6,500 acres, he said. The company's proposed development would have fewer than 495 homes since "we don't own all the land."
The company wants to develop luxury homes that could cost $3 million or more, a golf course and hotel.
Proponents have said the development would bring in millions of dollars in revenue, and passing the measure would provide hundreds of new acres for development of parks, schools and open space.
Opponents have questioned whether Santa Paula would get millions in revenue and are concerned about the effects of a development on traffic and city services.
Panelists will have three minutes for their opening statements on the measure, said Sue Kelley, voter service chairwoman for the League of Women Voters.
The panelists include the proponents, local Santa Paulans Bob Gonzales and Jim Procter, and opponents Steve Smead and John Turturro.
The forum will be hosted by the league and Ventura County Civic Alliance. The moderator is David Maron of the Civic Alliance.
Alliance and league members will ask questions, as will members of the audience. Panelists will have one minute to answer, Kelley said, and the opposing side will have a chance to rebut.
The forum will air live on Time Warner cable Channel 10 only in Santa Paula.
The community center is at 530 W. Main St.
Posted by Nosmo_King on April 19, 2007 at 9:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OMG I was going to vote for A7 because I thought Steve Smead was FOR it. If Steve's against, I'm against it!
Posted by Angelito on April 22, 2007 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is the wrong time for this kind of development. We need to develop Fagan canyon first and then think about Adams Canyon. WE can't run before learning to walk.
This development will cost more to maintain the roads and public services than the taxes it will provide. Besides, no one is sure how much tax revenue will it generate.
Another point to consider is the fact that Fagan Canyon did the same kind of measure, and remember what happened? the city council altered the plan from 400 homes to 2250 homes because the developer donated money into their campaigns.
How can be be sure that the city council will not sell our city once more?
Personally, I rather have the voters decide the fate, and not the city council memebers. Keep in mind that Bob Gonzales was an employee of pinacle, and now is supporting his ex-company once again. Is he going to receive a big amount into his re-election fund from pinnacle if the measure passes?
Lets keep the vote into the voter's hands, and out of the coucil members and pinnacle. Vote NO on A7.
Posted by jharber911 on April 30, 2007 at 3:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Steve Smead is for it (A7), he is the author on the yes on A7 campaign.
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