November
2004 Hacienda Vieja Project
MORE MESA
PRESERVATION COALITION FILES APPEAL: As reported
in last month's news, the Planning Commission approved a redesigned Hacienda Vieja
Project with two of the four houses having two-stories. Because of our avowed
commitment to protect all of More Mesa, including impacts to it from the periphery,
we felt it necessary to appeal this decision to the Board of Supervisors. As
soon as we are informed as to the date this matter will come before the Board,
we will let you know how you can help. Below are excerpts from our appeal.
The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) regrets the necessity of appealing
Planning Commission approval of the above referenced Hacienda Vieja development,
but feels compelled to bring this matter to the Board of Supervisors. The community
is extremely troubled about:
| | Apparent
reversal of long term precedents concerning More Mesa | | | Impacts
of the Hacienda Vieja project | | | Cumulative
negative impacts of recent development approvals on More Mesa's natural resources
and scenic beauty. |
The MMPC, and the community
at large, are concerned that recent approvals do not respect and protect the unique
resources of More Mesa and also depart from clear direction for project design
set by several Planning Commissions and Boards over the last 15 years. In particular,
MMPC, and we believe the community in general, are deeply distressed about the
continued trend toward approval of large two story houses. These structures severely
impact views from More Mesa's trail system.
Although the MMPC appreciates
the design changes directed by the Planning Commission for this project, we believe
that the project, as approved, will still have severe negative impact on More
Mesa. Specifically, it permits development that is inconsistent with the neighborhood,
out of character with the natural surroundings and continues the negative cumulative
trend toward large obtrusive two story structures. If this trend is continued,
the natural beauty of this area will be forever marred.
To address these
issues, we respectfully request that the Board direct the project developer to
redesign the project as all one story units, and designed to blend into the natural
environment and the surrounding community. This action would adhere to precedent
very clearly laid down by County decision-makers over the last decade and a half.
Usage Survey
Many thanks to the dozens of
people who have already completed our usage survey. We encourage all lovers of
More Mesa to do the same. The survey may be submitted on-line by visiting the
home page of this web site, and clicking on the "Usage
Survey" link. Thanks again!
|
