Let voters decide urban limit line
One can only commend city planners and politicians for wanting to protect open space and prevent urban sprawl. But if Morgan Hill planners and city officials are going to draw a so-called urban limit line around the city for half a century to create a protected greenbelt they need to take the issue to the voters.
Because deciding on their own would leave residents on the wrong
side of the line facing decreased property values, while those on the right side would benefit. Only voters should have that much power.
But before going to the polls, city leaders should consider whether entering into a memorandum of understanding with Santa Clara County could force developers to restrain themselves in their search for housing dollars.
City officials need to also explain clearly to residents why the delineation is necessary. They haven’t, yet. Most government outsiders say there’s no economic pressure to develop, so why tackle the issue now? The argument could also be made that the California Environmental Quality Act also contains exemptions for infill developments that protect local municipalities.
And, Measure C, which was passed last year, limits new residential units in the city to 250 a year and a population cap of 48,000 by the year 2020.
Above all, a revision of Measure C is necessary.
Freeing up the downtown from Measure C must be examined. The city should also consider bringing diverse types of housing elements inside the growth boundary.
The Morgan Hill Downtown Association has hinted at having the ambitious goal of turning the city’s heart into a Santana Row-like mixed retail, housing and entertainment hub. But we need to poll our citizenry to discover whether they’re in support or whether they don’t want a more urbanized look to the downtown.
The Oak Meadow development, which would bring 60 homes to the 20 acres of land bordered by DeWitt and Edmundson avenues is a perfect example of a housing development that would be allowed under the proposed boundary considerations. If we want Morgan Hill to continue to thrive economically we need be more inviting.
Keep a clear head Wednesday evening during the city council meeting to reach a final decision on this issue. Realize that the voters can guide the city as it seeks to retain its distinct identity and rural charm while at the same time incorporates rural development.
Place the item on the November ballot, that way the voters of the Mushroom City will have the final say. Other municipalities have gone to the polls to get the answer to the complicated urban-limit debate.
