Pace of Growth in Orange County

In his letter to the editor (April 10th) opposing the slow-growth initiative, Andrew K. Skiver states there are just 500 new homes available in the county. I invite Skiver to visit south Orange County, where he will easily see scores of developments recently built or in the process of being constructed.

Skiver should also be informed of the existing developer agreements that permit the construction of over 54,000 new homes in south Orange County. There are other agreements awaiting the Board of Supervisors’ approval. These agreements are rightly being challenged in court, since they clearly are an attempt to circumvent the right of citizens to participate in the initiative process.

More than 95,000 voters expressed dissatisfaction with current growth policies by signing petitions for the sensible growth initiative. These people realize that poor planning has created intolerable traffic conditions and overcrowded schools, as well as a negative impact on emergency and other community services.

In June, the voters will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on future growth. It is unlikely that the opposition can convince the public that existing policy is in the best interest of current and future residents of Orange County. After all, look at the mess it has gotten us into.

CRYSTAL KOCHENDORFER

Laguna Niguel