This should not be happening when something as important as a community park is at stake.
Half Moon Bay and the Midcoast communities have a serious need for parks with play fields as well as other needs including picnicking, trails and community gardens. Numerous studies have demonstrated that parks enhance the economic value of cities throughout the country. While Half Moon Bay has great beaches and nearby open space, the area is woefully deficient in parks with adequate space where kids can play, families can spread out a picnic, and all ages can enjoy trails along the creek.
 Lennie Roberts |
Looking at the Mirada Surf property in El Granada, acquired by San Mateo County in 2002, we find an encouraging model. The county worked with supportive community and agency partners to raise the money to buy the site. The total purchase price of $6.1 million for Mirada Surf's 49 acres is comparable to Half Moon Bay Community Park's $3.1 million for 22 acres. Both acquisitions were based upon appraisals that took into account the land characteristics, zoning and comparable sales.
The San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation raised half of Mirada's purchase price from state (Coastal Conservancy and State Park Bond Act), federal (Land and Water Conservation Funds) and private funding sources. The Parks Foundation is now close to its next goal of funding the Coastal Trail through the park; construction is expected in 2008.
Half Moon Bay has a logical nonprofit partner, the Coastside Land Trust, which can play a similar role in seeking grants and donations for the Community Park. Construction can be done in phases, as funds become available.
Despite various unfounded allegations, the recently released "Due Diligence" report showed no serious impediments to development of a park along Pilarcitos Creek; in fact it recommended that the city proceed with the land purchase and park development. The Environmental Due Diligence gave the land an outstandingly clean report regarding pesticides and other chemicals, a testament to the care of the former owner, Nurserymen's Exchange. Neighbor concerns over traffic, parking and noise have been taken into account in the approved park Master Plan.
Those who question whether projects can be built where an endangered species has been found can relax. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into the design and construction of park facilities to ensure there are no impacts to endangered species and other wildlife.
In fact, up and down Pilarcitos Creek permits have been issued for improvements to Highway 92, a new pedestrian bridge across the creek at Strawflower Village, Allied Waste's landfill, Pilarcitos Quarry, and numerous stream restoration projects. All of these permits have incorporated protections for the California red-legged frog and other species of concern. California Fish and Game and the Coastal Commission staff have given early advice to the city that endangered species issues are not a park-stopper.
I would hope that the strident, divisive voices of "Who's In and Who's Out" will consider the greater community good here and that common sense will prevail. As a long-ime supporter of parks and open space for all our citizens, I pledge to help in any way I can on behalf of the Committee for Green Foothills.
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Lennie Roberts is legislative advocate for the Committee for Green Foothills.
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