At last week's Planning Commission meeting, the Leichtag Foundation managed to push an accessory use "interpretation" for two new offices for non-agricultural use on what is supposedly "ag in perpetuity" (of Ecke fame) property. They asked for the two and got them. Never mind that the code doesn't allow this use, never mind that in very real terms it's a violation of Prop A - effective rezoning without a vote of the public - it's one more bone the city can throw at business.
Those who heard testimony from the Leichtag group that focused almost solely on what nice people the Leichtags are, what philanthropic folks they are, and, in a time when all we hear are bad, sad things on the news, they offer a ray of hope to our poor city. What they offered and the city enabled is a slippery slope to what Jim Farley (Leichtag spokesperson) has been whispering around town: they'd love to see a convention center there. Would you??
According to Farley, the good people at Leichtag make no profit on their operation and whatever they do is good for the people of Encinitas...except they forgot to ask us. Kind of brings to mind the image of foie gras that is so yummy and so good, except producers forgot to ask the goose. You know how that turns out for the goose.
Here are two more views on the subject from long-time residents.
When asked about the plans, Mayor Barth was supportive of Leichtag.
Other community members voiced the concern that changing the rules for a beloved community group sets a precedent that the law no longer applies equally to everyone and that cronyism may become business as usual.
Let's give the last word to Lee Leichtag's granddaughter, Heather Greene:
My grandfather always had the attitude of, "if you can't get in through the front door, you go around and you go in the back door."
There is no way around Prop A.
ReplyDeleteForget the back door. People need to vote for any up zoning.
There is no way around Prop A.
ReplyDeleteForget the back door. People need to vote for any up zoning.
What people need to do and what the city is planning to do against the people are two different things. Per Shaffer's latest news letter, "If we do not get public agreement to go above 2 stories in the proposed locations, then we need to rezone to accommodate as many as 1,028 units.
ReplyDeleteNot sure who the "we" is in her "need to rezone" statement is, but it sure sounds like the back door to me!
ReplyDeleteThere is no way around Prop A.
ReplyDeleteForget the back door. People need to vote for any up zoning.
There is no way around Prop A.
ReplyDeleteForget the back door. People need to vote for any up zoning.
I have said, and the City should well know, there are also minor and major use permits which allow for variations in zoning. For instance, there can be minor retail at the library. The Boathouses property could accommodate the promised museum in one of the Boathouses, which is a restriction on title, but with no date specified for "implementation."
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that there could be some accessory uses on agricultural land, which would not violate that zoning classification? I'm no expert, but Prop A is still valid. The "back door," was always there, because NOTHING is set in stone.
We do need to be watchful and stay vigilant, because Council will try to push upzoning through the General Plan Update, which we will be allowed to vote on, so those zoning changes, if passed, would "supersede" Prop A's restriction, because the people would have been allowed to vote on them!
Council's big plan to push the GPU upzoning is through an "educational" public outreach through the Strategic Plan. Council and staff have already developed the "vision." Now they want to push it on us, and yes, through the "backdoor."
Skip.... I chose to live positive productive life.
ReplyDeleteThe use of the quote from the granddaughter is out of context, and totally unfair. She's not talking about land use in her comments. Total cheap shot and unnecessary. Was the Leictag property use approved before Prop. A?
ReplyDeletehttp://encinitas.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/leichtag-foundation-to-purchase-ecke-property
No "approval before Prop A." Leichtag bought the property as is, ag-zoned, with sure scheming behind the scenes to upzone. Farley, a friend of Kranz', talked to him well before Prop A about plans he wanted for upzoning and Kranz "thought he had some good ideas."
DeleteOut of context or not, the quote describes accurately the approach taken by Ecke/Leichtag/fill in the blank with a willing city hall. Anyone watching the Planning Commission meeting saw the many friendly nods, waves, and first-name basis exchanges between the Leichtag folks and city staff.
ReplyDeleteAgree with WC's "inbox" post: when are they going to ask the people if they want to be shown the light?
Isn't that Norby person now associated with this group? something stinks to high heaven.
DeleteLeichtag dudes listening attentively to the housing element presentation at council...I bet they are. Licking their chops....
ReplyDelete