Action Urged on Right of Way
On Sept. 25 approximately 300 concerned residents were given the opportunity to comment on plans to develop approximately 25 acres of railroad-controlled land in Hermosa Beach.
Based on available printed documentation and citizen testimony, it can be safely concluded that:
(1) The Santa Fe Co. will not donate this property to the city for recreational use.
(2) The proposed plan for the right of way development will not improve the quality of life for Hermosa Beach residents.
I suggest that Hermosans organize and formulate legal strategies that when concluded will send a strong community message advising the Santa Fe Co. that we do not support development of this open-space greenbelt. To legally settle the continuing right-of-way land ownership debate, this organization must appoint a steering committee to locate and research right-of-way ownership documentation.
Another committee goal must be to focus on land use or land purchase alternatives that will resolve the development issue and bring this matter to a conclusion acceptable to Hermosa residents. The phrase “United we stand, divided we fall” is true regarding this development attempt. We must be united in our endeavor to preserve this valuable open space in our densely populated community.
GARY L. BRUTSCH
Hermosa Beach
Brutsch served as a city councilman from 1982 to 1986.
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