Ranch Plan Slights San Juan Residents
* It was with amazement that I read the article (“2 on Council Oppose Plan for San Juan Ranch,” Nov. 4) concerning the proposal to allow Jerry Harris an interim use of the citrus ranch bought with my voter approval of a bond issue for open space and consequent property tax assessment.
At least two of the council members had the integrity to object to this plan on the same grounds that I have--”allowing a for-profit group to go in, use the property and charge people to use it.”
The fact that he wants to cut down the orange trees, operate an equestrian center and build a bed and breakfast for three to five years means that the use of the land is decided without city residents’ input and surely not for just the interim time span. Until the city does have the money to devote to a proposal and a citywide vote, not just a council meeting, I suggest the land be left as is. I would never have voted for Measure M had I envisioned the “good old boy network” would once again corrupt a fine idea.
The City Council needs to step back from this “hurry up deal” and approach the issue when they have both the money and the time.
NINA ATWOOD
San Juan Capistrano
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