Development in Seal Beach
C. F. Knapp’s letter (Feb. 14) epitomizes the distance between the people of Orange County and their elected or appointed officials regarding land use. His “sound planning principles” have led to gridlock, urban sprawl and near destruction of our environment, causing a plethora of initiatives that stand as monuments to governmental indifference.
Your recent poll shows that more than 50% of the people believe their representatives are beholden to the building industry. Seal Beach is no exception, and the residents have grown weary of the “waivers” given developers.
A case in point is the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power parcel that is the last vacant oceanfront property in Seal Beach. A specific plan for use of the property was initiated by the California Coastal Conservancy, prepared by dozens of dedicated residents and passed by the city. The plan calls for 70% park and 30% development on the parcel.
Measure A would make this plan become a law that could not be changed without a vote of the people. Measure A was drafted in response to City Manager Robert Nelson’s statement in April, 1987, that he expects builders to ask for waivers for the 70-30 ratio plan and also for the city’s 35-foot height limit. That is why Knapp and the City Hall crowd oppose Measure A. In fact, the only vocal opposition to the measure is from the City Council and its political appointees.
The bottom line on Measure A is whom do you trust? City Hall or a vote of the people? I will vote yes on A. City Hall has dropped the ball.
BRUCE M. STARK
Seal Beach
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