What's the best option for North Fillmore?
North Fillmore. That's what's been on everyone's mind for several months. This is a controversial issue. Where do you stand? What is your vision for North Fillmore?
Would you like to see high-density multi-family housing? Single family homes with yards? Patio homes for retirees? Ranchettes? A park?
How many? 100, 300, 500, 700, 900?
Let's hear some thoughts and ideas...
posted by Gayle Washburn @ 8:35 AM
53 Comments
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53 Comments:
lets start with new planning commission, and city council. i have 2 children ages 4, 9 and im concerned with the traffic off of central and 1st street. i constantly worry about them getting hit by a car. what would you and patti do to help make our family more secure?
our town ill prepared for more homes and traffic. we cant even afford to get a signal arrow off of central and ventura. i try to avoid that light as much as possible.
Welcome! I think the Planning Commission have been listening to the citizens. I suppose they are very frustated that the City Council is ignoring their input and overturning their decisions.
As far as keeping your children safe it is probably a challenge during school hours. I'm not sure if your concern is from the high school or traffic in general.
I would like to try to implement a program like "safe route to schools"
http://www.saferoutestoschools.org/about.html
This program encourages students to walk or bike to school, reducing traffic congestion and helping kids stay active as well.
Here is a quote from the organization's website...
"Cities with existing programs have experienced reduced traffic congestion, reduced collision in and around schools, and decreased speed in residential neighborhoods. Children learn valuable traffic safety skills and responsibility and more people of all ages are able to walk and bike in the neighborhood as a result of improved access."
I agree that we are ill prepared for more homes and traffic. The traffic on SR 126 is really unbearable a lot of the time.
In my research I have found that we don't have a lot of control over the regional traffic that is just passing through. Also I think Caltrans might have jurisdiction over the lights.
However, I have appealed to the City to try to convince the County to reduce the Grimes Canyon mining expansion. If that expansion plan goes through there will twice as many large diesel trucks on SR 23 and 126.
Respectfully, we live in the twenty first century. Automobiles are a way of life in every town or city, especially if you choose to live in Southern California. I don't buy it when someone that claims to live in Fillmore complains about too many cars or lives in fear of stoplights.
Second, I feel that the public's opinion on the future of North Fillmore today is irrelevant considering that a restrictive growth line has been drawn around our city restricting growth within a 2.5 square mile area. How else if Fillmore going to meet the needs of our children and our children's children when it comes to keeping the family in Fillmore?
With all do respect, Fillmore is not a retirement community or an amusement park for tourist. Let's look at the big picture, Fillmore is a city with a heritage of hundreds of farm families. Many or most of these families have no choice or means or desire to move elsewhere. Where will the next generation be forced to live?
thankyou gayle. patti and yourself will make superb leaders.
gayle and patti,
how can we get the financials of the city council members? i wanna see their travel expenses, food an lodging and gifts? when i attend these meetings, these council members are off on a tropical island. ive emailed all members and cuevas is the only one who responded to my questtion and it was short and unhelpful. its sad that my tax dollars are being wasted on these individuals who represent us.
I believe the best person to request this information from would be Barbara Smith, Finance Officer. If you cannot get a response from her, please let me know. Her e-mail address is bsmith@ci.fillmore.ca.us. With respect to their campaign financials you can review the ones from the past election (2004) on my web site, www.walker4fillmore.com.
Please let me know if this is not helpful.
Patti
patti , since my husband and i have been critical of the city council, the city refuses to assist us. a good example is getting a permit for a air conditioner. we were reported and a inspector came over. what are the email addresses for gayle and yourself?
what's the response time for the city staff to get back to you?
Hi anonymous. You are right; automobiles are a way of life especially in Southern California. But, Ventura County and Fillmore used to take pride that we didn’t sprawl and have the pollution and traffic that LA has. We were also proud to have orange trees and farms like they used to in Orange County. We didn’t want to be like LA or Orange County and we didn’t want to live in those conditions (traffic and smog). Did you know that the average daily trips on 126 are 65,000? Do you know how much damaging air pollution that creates? Are you okay breathing that? Are your kids?
Are all those trips necessary? Do we really need more happy meal toys? Consider that Chevron alone netted 64 billion dollars last quarter vs. about 32 billion for the entire previous year. So, if you extrapolate that out you’re looking at roughly 200 billion dollars MORE taken from the economy (us) in a year for gasoline(just to Chevron). We’re going to have to cut back at some point because the price of oil will continue to escalate.
Umm…the comment about the “public’s opinion” seems a little strange. Aren’t we all the “public”? Isn’t this still a democracy? Haven’t we all been paying taxes here a long time and entitled to some say in our City management and growth?
Actually, I believe that the CURB agreement extended the boundaries from 2.5 to 5 square miles and from 1,748 to 3,238 acres so that argument about a restrictive growth line doesn’t fly. The CURB almost doubled the City’s area to grow. However, that line isn’t really what restricts us. What about our geographic boundaries? We can’t build on the hillsides, we aren’t supposed to build in the floodplain and we can’t go too far up the Sespe.
Historically, we've been able to manage growth and accommodate our families. There is no reason to "buildout" as quickly as possible.
The birth rate for native born population here is fairly stable. If you are worried about your kids and grandkids having a place to live I don’t think it will be a problem. There are 119 homes on the market today vs. 9 a year ago. Today, there is enough housing for our children and children’s children. Now as far as the pricing, that’s a whole different story. I don’t think it’s ever easy for a working person or family to just go buy a house at these prices. But, somehow people do it and they’ve been doing it at a pretty fast clip the last several years.
Sorry to go on so long. You brought up some good points and questions and I wanted to address them carefully.
gayle or patti,
what course should i go with the air conditioning unit being fined by the city? i wrote barbara smith a email, im hopeful i will get a emergency response. my husband is working to get in touch on paying the fine.
SEEMS THAT CLAIRE K IS A GLADYS KRAVITZ!
Thank you Gayle,
Yes, we are all "the public" and Yes we are still a democracy. The reason that I feel that the opinions of the tax paying citizens of Fillmore are irrelevant is simply because the CURB agreement was forced to be the "final opinion" for Fillmore constituted by an organized group of non Fillmore citizens called SOAR . The idea to limit growth within the CURB line was rejected by Fillmore tax payers in 2000 by rejecting both Measures J and K. We knew back then that high density would be an issue if SOAR regulated our boundaries. SOAR continued to persuade the city council to agree on a CURB line ordinance and were successful. Therefore as a Fillmore tax payer, I support high density thanks to SOAR.
We certainly don't want to be like LA and probably never will considering that we are protected by our natural boundaries in all directions. Topa Topa mountains to the west, San Cayetano mountain to the east, Los Padres forest to the north and Santa Susana mountains to the south. What I don't take pride in is our crumbling business community, poorest demographics in Ventura County, low quality schools and the fact that we are not a self reliant city when it comes to employment, healthcare and entertainment. We are a culturally diverse community and deserve so much better
Thankfully the current Council is making progress on the new business park, building a community park and a community pool. New medical buildings are being built which will provide care and employment.
And a question to Ms. Washburn. What will be your position when Caltrans places in motion it's plans to widen 126 to 6 lanes?
Where do you and Walker differ on issues?
How high a density Anonymous? You have a limit in mind as does everyone else. So what is it? My guess is that you like the number 22,000. Well I don’t and I’m not buying into your SOAR - CURB line cop out, they matter not. Fillmore is situated in a finite area and we can determine what it looks like and what kind of city we want to live in. If Anonymous likes traffic he/she can go live where there is traffic, but there are a good number of folks here in Fillmore who would rather not see the number of cars going by their houses more than double. For the past few years outside opportunistic profiteers have been calling the shots and it’s high time the people of Fillmore got their voice back.
Land acquisitions and profit expectations by developers are the driving force behind all of Fillmore’s non-planned future. General plans and zoning can be changed at will by an obedient city council doing the developers’ bidding. We need some real leadership at city hall and it looks like the only two candidates that can provide that leadership is Gayle Washburn and Patti Walker.
Bruce
How high a density Anonymous? You have a limit in mind as does everyone else. So what is it? My guess is that you like the number 22,000. Well I don’t and I’m not buying into your SOAR - CURB line cop out, they matter not. Fillmore is situated in a finite area and we can determine what it looks like and what kind of city we want to live in. If Anonymous likes traffic he/she can go live where there is traffic, but there are a good number of folks here in Fillmore who would rather not see the number of cars going by their houses more than double. For the past few years outside opportunistic profiteers have been calling the shots and it’s high time the people of Fillmore got their voice back.
Land acquisitions and profit expectations by developers are the driving force behind all of Fillmore’s non-planned future. General plans and zoning can be changed at will by an obedient city council doing the developers’ bidding. We need some real leadership at city hall and it looks like the only two candidates that can provide that leadership is Gayle Washburn and Patti Walker.
Bruce
Is Gayle Bruce, or is Bruce Gayle?
No need to respond, just getting a giggle out of a commonly made mistake. Hey who hasn't made a mistake?
gayle and patty, we are supporting you gals. keep up the hard work.
matthew
It would seem that anyone who posts under "Anonymous" must have something to hide?
well your calling the kettle black.it amazes me how the smedleys/mccalls have to go negative because their are very much so "LACKLUSTER".
RECORDS SPEAK LOUDER THAN CAMPAIGN PHOTO OPS.
I’m not sure about the Blogger board but some boards have the ability to also include the poster’s IP address. This IP trapping still allows for somewhat anonymous postings but sure takes the wind out of the sails of those posters who take on multiple personalities.
In response to one of the anonymous postings –
Re: Caltrans and the widening of 126 to 6 lanes. The project you speak of is not listed in their top 25 or even 50 highway projects so perhaps you might share where further information could be obtained. In my own uninformed opinion I’d have to say this plan would have about as much a chance of happening as the highway 33 bypass for Casitas Springs in the Ojai Valley. Caltrans may have it on the “In a Perfect World” list but it would be a HUGE undertaking and Caltrans does not have the funding.
Re: Progress on the new business park – Changing the “Coming in 2005” sign to “2007”?
Re: Medical Building – From the last article in the Ventura County Star it sure looked like Supervisor Long was taking credit.
Re: Progress on Park and Pool – Are there final plans available for viewing?
Not ashamed to use my real name!
Tom Fennell
Boy a lot of comments today. I'll try to address a few with this reply.
clairek:
My email address is gaylewashburn@sbcglobal.net
I have never tried to get a permit before so I'm not sure how long that takes. If I call and leave a message I usually get a reply within 24 hours.
anonymous 1: Thank you!
anonymous 2: Remember that Gladys was the only one on the show that had a clue that something wasn't right...
anonymous 3: Sorry, but I’m not getting the connection between tax paying citizens being irrelevant and the CURB agreement. I wasn’t here when the SOAR/CURB ordinance was implemented. I have to tell you from a neutral position and not being involved in it that using it as an excuse to build high density when it is not required is not justified. From that neutral position it looks like the growth and expansion are what drove the SOAR/CURB ordinance. I have to admit that I don’t know that much about it but I think that the Fish Hatchery was targeted for development and might have precipitated the fight. I also know that the City added almost twice the area that it had before! This argument just seems shallow. And what is wrong with saving agricultural resources? And, I don’t see anything in the SOAR/CURB ordinance that says “thou shalt immediately build out every available parcel to maximum density just because we have a CURB” Especially when our population growth is within the SCAG projections.
As far as our demographics and financial problems go that seems to be pretty universal; in California and other states. According to Eben, Fodor, in “Better, Not Bigger”, the whole growth = prosperity line is a myth. If you don’t want to read it just check out the review on Amazon.com
anonymous #4: I’m not entirely sold on the new business park. There is a LOT of vacant commercial property in Fillmore. Why should we sprawl and destroy orchards and open space to accommodate such a speculative venture? Many of the business parks in this area(VC and Valencia) have sat vacant for years. Community park and pool, yes that’s great! Good timing too. Widening 126 sounds horrible. Living down here on the "south side" is so noisy and dusty. The traffic starts kicking in about 4:30 am so forget about sleeping all night. I have a friend in El Dorado who really suffers from the traffic.
I'm not sure how Bruce's comment got posted under my logon but I would tend to agree with him. Bruce, could you send me an email to gaylewashburn@sbcglobal.net and let me know how you did that?
Tom: Thanks for the info. I hate to lose anonymous though. It makes for lively conversation. One more comment about the park and pool. I have read and heard that the park has been on hold because of lawsuits against the Heritage Valley Parks(don't know why the lawsuits didn't keep them from building the houses though). So, I'm wondering if anyone here has knowledge about the lawsuits; have they been settled? Any details?
Gayle,
I find it very interesting that you equate more traffic on the 126 with more people living in Fillmore. I would be interested in seeing how much of the traffic on the 126 is actually people driving from Santa Clarita to Ventura and vice-versa. Perhaps with the option of living in Fillmore the traffic would be from Fillmore to Ventura, or Fillmore to Santa Clarita instead of driving the entire (almost) length of the 126.
I'm not sure that you are going to eliminate or curb traffic on the 126 by stopping the growth of Fillmore.
You also made some comment about the traffic being caused by people needing Happy Meals. I thought that there was a McDonald's in Fillmore?
Hi Gayle,
Had to comment about this obnoxious Mr or Ms Anonymous.
At least you know who I am.
As for more Traffic on 126, lets use common sense.
More Homes,equals more people, equals more cars. Which in turn "EQUALS" More Traffic.
Just simple common sense Math.
gracy:
Thank you gracy for thinking that I am Obnoxious simply because I disagree with the slow growth prospect in Fillmore. I respect everyones opinion and I respect Gayle for responding to concerned citizens even though I don't agree with her responses. But I certainly don't think that she or anyone that I disagree with is Obnoxious. Maybe she can teach you some class.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
clairek ,,i agree partially with you. im a undecided but i know i will not vote for mccall. i do still want to hear the canidates discuss and debate these issues that are very important to our city. at this point im leaning towards patti and gayle.
By the way I'm Marc, and I'm not the only one posting anonymously. I should register with my name shouldn't I? I'll make my name Mark "O" because blogger "gracy" thinks I'm Obnoxious.
Mr. Anonymous,I stated you to be obnoxious because of your comment about Hwy 126. Only common sense tells one. More houses, more people, more cars, more Traffic.
Oh by the way, I have a lot of class.
I have always stood behind my NAME.
There... anonymous NO more.
May I also add, that there is nothing wrong with slow growth.
Yes everyone has their own opinnon.
But if you look around, slow growth has turned into fast growth.
As Roy Payne stated, "The out growth of Fillmore".
Fillmore is torn apart.
Houses and Houses are being built.
The Natural Beauty of Fillmore has been uprooted.
To top it off, "No New Jobs".
Our sitting Council men & woman have not considered this as an issue for years. They call this a Bedroom Community. They have had no intention of bringing in stores like Target, Penneys etc.
Yet in the mean time, orchards and orchards have been torn out. Even our Santa Clara River has Homes inside it's bank. Look at Pole Creek now. Another Natural landmark, ripped apart.
People like myself moved here because of Fillmore's Beauty.
Now you see a significant start of "Urban Sprawl".
gracy,
Past mayor Don Gunderson stated "Fillmore is the Rodney Dangerfield of Ventura County". We get no respect. Natural beauty can only get you so far.
Growth in Fillmore is no way considered Urban Sprawl. besides having to live within the horrible CURB line canning us like sardines and the thousands of acres of greenbelt agreements in all directions, Urban Sprawl will never happen, But we can still grow with enough people to attract jobs, and JC Pennys. We need at least 28,000 people for that. That's not bad considering that at that population, we would still be smaller than Santa Paula.
For the record, I did not post the anonymous comment about the 126 traffic. That person was anonymous#2. I personally think that more houses in Fillmore will make more traffic on the 126. BUT, so will the uncontrolled growth in Valencia and Oxnard. NOW, lets not punish Fillmore by saying "no more house please because you will worsen the problem" Instead lets convince Caltrans to build a freeway south of the Santa Clasra river to alleviate truck and automobile traffic that has no business in Fillmore. Let's keep Ventura Street (126) a nice 4 lane street. But Don't bring up the freeway idea to Patti Walker though, she hates the idea. Ms. Walker, please correct me if I'm wrong?
Only landowners can pull up their orchards, not "the city". Let's face it since NAFTA and the influx of cheap fruit few people are buying oranges, sadly. If the farmer can't make money with oranges then they'll move on to other crops.
Gayle-Patti where do you stand on attracting stores like Walgreens, Longs or an Orchards? Wouldn't having the opportunity to shop in Fillmore reduce highway traffic to adjacent cities? I'd like to know if your position to reduce traffic extends past the city limits or are you focused only within the city limits?
Anonymous, you are right. There is no way we can control the regional traffic. Although I have heard that we had the opportunity to try and block the Newhall Ranch development. Evidently all that traffic has been mitigated by a $300,000 fee. I don't know how fees ever got to be a mitigation. As I stated in the Grimes Canyon expansion comments, a mitigation fee will not protect me or my neighbors from the significant impacts of air pollution.
But back to our traffic...many of the comments heard at public hearings were about local traffic; Goodenough Rd, B Street, Central Ave, A Street, etc. The number of vehicles the NFSP will generate will create a lot of gridlock on those streets. And that is just at the levels in the traffic study which were not adjusted to reflect our higher commuting rates as a bedroom community.
Oh, and my comment about the big macs was more about happy meal toys. The point being all the trucks on the road. Some of them are hauling junk like happy meal toys. How much of that stuff do we really need?
On a personal note, we have downsized from 3,000 square feet to 1100 and had to throw out and give away so much stuff. It's quite liberating to realize that most of it isn't necessary. Hence, we are the only house on our street that can get two cars in our garage.
clairek and Jared: During the next several weeks all of the candidates will be responding to specific questions from the Gazette. Hopefully everyone will know where each candidate stands on the most important issues. I appreciate your support.
Yeay marc!
gracy: You are so sensible and speak from the heart. Fillmore is beautiful and has so much potential without having to build at high density. It's hard to compare Fillmore to Ojai, but I remember when Ojai was poor and not much to look at but they've been able to build their economy and prestige without selling out(well, except for the Ojai Inn).
marc o: The thought of 28,000 people in Fillmore makes me cringe. Santa Paula has had a lot more space to build. Yet, we are still outpacing them on growth. In response to the question about a freeway, I remember checking on that at some point and either Caltrans or someone(can't remember) told me that it would be too expensive because it would require two more river crossings and bridges are pricey.
Good point about NAFTA. With all of the citrus trees being pulled out, five years from now the prices will probably go up. I believe the two farmers with orchards left in town that would be affected by NFSP would prefer to keep their orchards rather than tear them out for houses. Don't forget that there is a limited amount of "prime" agricultural soil and we are destroying it. Hope we don't regret it some day.
We have adequate stores like Rite Aid and Vons and like I said previously, for the moment we have enough "stuff" and our needs are being met by the existing stores--except for books-- someone open a book store please.
As far as reducing traffic regionally I think public transportation is great and it's my belief based on oil pricing and supply constraints that eventually we will need to be implementing commuter vans like we did in the 70's, telecommuting and other ways to reduce vehicle trips. I'm talking within the next 5-10 years.
gsyle, your silly.
theres nothing wrong with 28,000 more friends is there?
i meant gayle, you're silly
People are just people, even if we happen to group up to the point that someone does a head count of 28,000. But why does corporate america decide to respect us (Fillomore) when we are 28,000 or more??
Barnes and Noble executives laugh at Fillmore and tell us to grow up because they feel that Fillmore is poor. Plain and simple...no fancy words to explain....Filmore is not worthy gayle.. I'm sorry.
Forgive me for being an obssesive blogger, but in response to Caltrans telling "us" the california tax payers that bridges cost to much??? I'll stop right there.
You might want to ask the farmer what he would like to do with HIS property.
Sorry but I don't agree with your explaination about fees being a mitigation solution. You may not like it, but the Courts say that is exactly how issues are to be mitigated. Ever heard of smog credits being traded?
High density to you may be moderate density to others. Is 7 to 8 homes per acre "high density"?
From your statement "We have adequate stores like Rite Aid and Vons..." I take it you do not support increasing the tax base or allowing free markets to work? Please correct me if I'm wrong. Wouldn't competition be good for consumers and work to reduce traffic?
You mentioned gridlock. Kinds of reminds me of the Rum commericial on the boob tube. One bus stopped in the middle of the road and a man on a donkey behind it says "total gridlock".
Please explain how Ojai "sold out" (your words) to the Ojai Valley Inn. Are you aware what would happen to Ojai if the tax base from the Inn stopped?
Okay everyone...just a reminder - no personal attacks or name calling on candidates or anyone else.
marc o: silly? Have you been talking to my husband?
28,000? Where will we get the water? The entire County and State have water issues that are only going to continue to get worse. How will we pay for the infrastructure required to support that many people?
There are lots of cities that do quite well without a lot of corporate chains. Again, using Ojai as an example.
As a previous poster commented(Tom), Caltrans has a large wish list, prioritized by need and funds. We're too far down the list.
anonymous: I already addressed the farmers..."I believe the two farmers with orchards left in town that would be affected by NFSP would prefer to keep their orchards rather than tear them out for houses. Don't forget that there is a limited amount of "prime" agricultural soil and we are destroying it. Hope we don't regret it some day."
As far as high density, I consider the current NFSP and Suncal tract of 50% multi-family high density. Too crowded. The Suncal tract only has net acreage of 15+ acres and 201 homes is a density of 13 dwellings per net acre. That is more than twice the density of any existing development. Where is the highest current density of Fillmore for a comparison with NFSP?
Mitigation fees may be court approved and smog credit trading is good in theory if you're a third world country needing cash, but the reality is that our health is being affected and our quality of life is degraded.
My comment about not selling out meant that Ojai has not been on a fast track to build out every lot as fast as possible to generate a high growth rate. They also have not courted chains but instead have encouraged local entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses. The Ojai Inn is the exception to not having a small local business in that it's such a large enterprise. It is indeed a great thing for their economy. On a lesser scale I would say that the Railway is ours. It is a wonderful attraction that we could capitalize on a little more.
Lawsuits, the two that I recall: One by Friends of the Santa Clara River and the other by the Environmental Coalition. In both cases these groups’ attorneys addressed the city council during public hearings and advised them that they were not in compliance with EIR (or other) requirements and that to proceed would likely cause a lawsuit to be filed. The city went forward, lawsuits were filed and the city lost and had to pay attorney fees. Kind of like they ignored the public and the planning commission re. North Fillmore. At least that’s how I recall it and I didn’t have time to go back and do a facts check.
Bruce
Correction in my last comment: EIR should read CEQA
Bruce: Thanks for the info on lawsuits. It's sad that it has to come to lawsuits to enforce CEQA law. I believe that the City anticipated lawsuits over the North Fillmore Specific Plan EIR because they knew it was defective as well.
It's very sad and disappointing that the expectation is that "we're going to do whatever we can get away with until we get sued"
However, if that is the lawsuit that was referred to in the redevelopment report that stated that the new park couldn't be built because of lawsuits, that means that the park could have been built when the lawsuit was over but they deliberately withheld moving forward with the park construction until now - just in time for an election.
Maybe there are some other unknown lawsuits...
good morning ,
first i would like to state to gayle that i didnt do any name calling with regards to mccall. i was simply making a comparison. i wish you wouldnt have deleted my comments. THIS IS AMERICA RIGHT?
secondly, bruce your definately right that their have been alot of law suits with the city of fillmore. the reasoning is quite simple. THE CITY DOESNT COMPLY! THE CITY WORKS DEALS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS FROM THE PUBLIC. THE LAW TAKES PRECEDENT! THE CITY OBVIOUSLY ISNT TOO WORRIED ABOUT WASTING TAX PAYER DOLLARS DEFENDING THEIR CORRUPT SYSTEM OF GOVERNING. THEY ARE LIKE THE ENERGIZER BUNNY, THEY KEEP RUNNING AND RUNNING. SO THE LAWYERS KEEP COMING AND COMING. I SAY YOU PLAY YOU PAY. THE IRONIC LESSON IS THAT WE PAY FOR THESE SHADY DEALS.
WHAT A DISGRACE!
Clairek...
I agree with you.
A waiting example is the New 3 story Building under construction along the railroad tracks on Central Ave.
I was told the County Halted the work, because the Building is so close to the tracks. There are serious Safety issues. Shouldn't that have been evaluated by the Planning Commission and City Council Members, before construction?
Common sense tells you that.
So many Residents shake their heads at the site. So many are waiting for a Train Car to go through the Building.
I still am in shock that this Building was even constructed at it's present location.
clairek: Sorry for deleting the comment. I just wouldn't want anyone comparing me to ANS...
You are right about the lawsuits. I'm still amazed that the City chose to ignore all the citizens who spoke at the public hearings against North Fillmore Specific Plan.
As marc o(formerly anonymous) has said, "I feel that the public's opinion on the future of North Fillmore today is irrelevant". I suppose he/she is a council or staff member because that is the attitude. It's shocking to hear but we have to realize that it's the reality of today. Our voice does not matter to governing bodies. So, I suppose a lawsuit is the only way for citizens to be heard.
gracy: Everyone in town agrees that Parkview is an abomination. I was recently on the second floor of the City hall building(on the opposite side of the tracks) and the train was moving. I thought we were having an earthquake. The seniors who will be living at Parkview will be thinking the same thing. They'll have to keep their heart medication handy.
Gayle...
How funny, your talking about the train and feeling like an earthquake. Reminds me of an old "I Love Lucy" Show. When Lucy, Ricky, Ethel and Fred were staying in a hotel on their way to California. Every time the train went by everything fell over, including Lucy.
How funny, ha! ha! ha!
Now I don't mean it to be funny for our Senior Citizens though. Just the way you explained it.
Well, guys, seems as there has been a lot of talk but no one has stated what they'd like to see in the NFSP. 300? 480? 700? 900?
This is a great opportunity for your comments.
Are you wanting 3 story buildings? Do you like the alleys that are planned?
Are any of you concerned that there will be more students but no school? Are you willing to float another bond to pay for a new school?
Is it okay with you for the city to be getting bonds to repay the developers for the money they put out to put in the roads, sewer lines and the like? (And for those folks who don't know about this, this is a Mello Roos and the money gets paid back by the homebuyer on their property tax bill. Of course, it is possible that the developer will not build all of the homes - in case the market tanks - but the city will still need to payoff the loan. Just ask Simi Valley when Griffin built the Park View tract and they took the bond money and walked away. Filed bankruptcy. They formed the current corporation 4 months later. One-fourth of the homes in that tract were built and SV increased their payment and stretched it out additional years to get it paid back. Heritage Valley Park, River Oaks, The Meadows and SunCal all want or have been given bond money to pay for their infrastructure. This has increased the city's debt service.) Any comments on that?
Those involved in CFRG who spear-headed the Referendum and are waiting for the city's response before pursuing the Initiative, want to hear from you. Each and every one of them believe this is YOUR community.
So what say you?
Patti,what became of the industral park in north fillmore? I thought the City spent many of our dollars with,consultants,Engineers,lawers not to mention the private business owners that paid for drainage? At the time the plan made sense,Today it makes even more "cents" than houses.If I'm mistaken please correct me.Thank you for your time.Keep up your great work! Anonymous#13
Patti...
Please “NO” Alley’s and 3 story Buildings in North Fillmore.
I prefer “7” Houses per acre or similar to the East Side of Fillmore.
Most of those houses are on about 5000 sq. ft, parcels.
Isn't that about the correct number for the existing zone?
If you need a number count, 300 sounds acceptable.
Anonymous #13 -
Thanks for remembering the North Fillmore Industrial Park. Griffin bought it when some of the property owners stopped paying their "cents." The city decided houses would bring in the needed money so they could make the bond payments.
Recently many Hometown homeowners had to increase their payments from the $600 to $750. I've heard that this change from industrial to residential "saved the city."
Hopefully this will not happen with The Meadows behind Vons, River Oak at C Street or even the Heritage Valley Park project. I wonder, would they suggest changing these residential projects into? Industrial or would they just increase the payment amount and extend the time frame to pay it off?
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