Group Launches Initiative To Save Fairview Park
As the petition signature-gathering winds up for one initiative - the so-called Smart Growth Initiative - another group has launched a similar effort to preserve and protect Fairview Park - referred to by many as "Costa Mesa's Crown Jewel".
The Fairview Park Alliance, HERE, has crafted an initiative to do just that. The full initiative may be viewed HERE. Beginning within the next few days representatives of that organization will begin collecting signatures, hoping to gather enough by the deadline - I'm told it will be early in May - to qualify the initiative for the November, 2016 ballot.
As is required by law, the initiative has been reviewed by the Costa Mesa City Attorney, who has fulfilled his responsibility of creating a proper title and an official Summary which will appear in the sample ballot should this initiative qualify. The following is the complete text of that Title/Summary as produced by the City Attorney recently. I've edited it for spacing and type color only, for easier reading:
*****
AN INITIATIVE REQUIRING CHANGES IN USE AT FAIRVIEW PARK
BE SUBJECT TO VOTER APPROVAL
The initiative prohibits certain changes in land use at Fairview Park unless the City of Costa Mesa pays for and conducts a citywide election, and the electorate votes in favor of the proposal. BE SUBJECT TO VOTER APPROVAL
In general, the initiative requires voter approval each time Costa Mesa authorizes any expansion or intensification of uses, new or expanded amenities, expansion of park hours, grading, expanding parking lots, new foundations or permanent structures, installation of lighting or utility delivery systems, and alterations using geotechnical or structural analysis. Exceptions apply to (1) restoration, (2) preservation, (3) maintenance, (4) public safety, (5 )expanding Fairview Park’s size, (6) improvements pursuant to the Fairview Park Master Plan which do not require installing permanent structures, and (7) certain changes approved and completed before the initiative’s effective date.
The following are examples of projects currently authorized under the Fairview Park Master Plan that could not be implemented without voter approval:
Fairview Park, east of Placentia Avenue: Playground, Platforms/retaining walls for vista overlook area, Museum/multipurpose building, Constructing two paved parking lots to accommodate a total of 131 cars.
Fairview Park, west of Placentia Avenue: Playground, Covered picnic areas, Bus turnaround, Stairs to allow bluff access, Grading bluffs to prevent erosion, New restrooms, Boardwalk and pedestrian bridge on new trail.
Other examples of activities that would be prohibited unless voter approval is obtained include: Completing structures that were under construction when the initiative became effective, Concrete curbs, Expanding existing buildings, Installing additional lighting, Expanding park hours, New trails not listed in the Fairview Park Master Plan, Installing water, electric, gas or sewer lines, Expanding parking lots, Constructing retaining walls, Increasing the number of community events such as concerts-in-the-park, seasonal festivals or races, Pergolas and gazebos, Rest areas along trails that are larger than the minimum required by law, or are within 100 feet of one another.
The following are examples of activities that would be allowed without an election: Activities authorized in the Fairview Park Master Plan not requiring the construction of any permanent structure, Restoring Fairview Park to its natural non-developed state, Replacing non-native trees with native trees, Activities intended to protect habitat, vernal pools, burial grounds and artifacts, Removing paths, parking lots or existing man-made improvements, Improving educational signage, Repairing existing structures, Maintaining existing roads, trails and parking lots, Adding land to Fairview Park, Mowing, Replacing broken lights, Installing trash cans, park benches and picnic tables without coverings.
The initiative requires specific information be included in any sample ballot mailed to registered voters regarding a proposed change to Fairview Park. The initiative also requires compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The initiative could not be amended without voter approval.
*****
WANT TO GUESS WHY?
I've not asked the proponents of this initiative precisely why they felt it necessary to present this measure to the voters, but I can guess. After having watched the current council majority create the Fairview Park Citizen's Advisory Committee - now dormant - and stack it with cronies who apparently shared their view - which appeared to be that ALL land within the city should be developed, either as high density housing or active use playing fields - I suspect the folks behind this initiative were concerned that similar attacks on the last bastion of natural open space in the City would continue to come under attack without protection.
I've not asked the proponents of this initiative precisely why they felt it necessary to present this measure to the voters, but I can guess. After having watched the current council majority create the Fairview Park Citizen's Advisory Committee - now dormant - and stack it with cronies who apparently shared their view - which appeared to be that ALL land within the city should be developed, either as high density housing or active use playing fields - I suspect the folks behind this initiative were concerned that similar attacks on the last bastion of natural open space in the City would continue to come under attack without protection.
A SCARY PROCESS
I watched that committee do it's work. I saw them create a list of "possible" uses in Fairview Park that included all manner of playing fields, including Bocci Ball, for goodness sake. I watched as, meeting after meeting, residents and other stakeholders in Fairview Park - including representatives of Native American tribes who have a very special interest in the park - presented their views to the committee. It would be accurate to state that, by a very wide margin, the speakers wanted Fairview Park to remain in a natural state.
I watched that committee do it's work. I saw them create a list of "possible" uses in Fairview Park that included all manner of playing fields, including Bocci Ball, for goodness sake. I watched as, meeting after meeting, residents and other stakeholders in Fairview Park - including representatives of Native American tribes who have a very special interest in the park - presented their views to the committee. It would be accurate to state that, by a very wide margin, the speakers wanted Fairview Park to remain in a natural state.
THE MASTER PLAN
The initiative and the summary, above, refers to the Fairview Park Master Plan. You will find that document HERE.
The initiative and the summary, above, refers to the Fairview Park Master Plan. You will find that document HERE.
LOOK FOR THE SIGNATURE-GATHERERS
So, over the next several months you may encounter proponents of this initiative who will be asking for your signature. Take a few minutes to have them explain the initiative to you if necessary, then let your good judgment and conscience guide your decision. This really just boils down to a matter of trust. Do you trust this current batch of elected leaders to protect and preserve this irreplaceable asset?
So, over the next several months you may encounter proponents of this initiative who will be asking for your signature. Take a few minutes to have them explain the initiative to you if necessary, then let your good judgment and conscience guide your decision. This really just boils down to a matter of trust. Do you trust this current batch of elected leaders to protect and preserve this irreplaceable asset?
Labels: Fairview Park, Fairview Park Alliance, Fairview Park Citizens Advisory Committee
posted by The Pot Stirrer at 12/29/2015 02:14:00 AM
8 comments
