EDITOR: Open space – what is it? Simply put, it is land that is
designated to either remain free of development or limited in how
it can be developed for the purpose of remaining essentially open.
Our northern neighbors have little of it.
EDITOR:
Open space – what is it? Simply put, it is land that is designated to either remain free of development or limited in how it can be developed for the purpose of remaining essentially open. Our northern neighbors have little of it.
Pressured by development and the promise of revenue many cities failed to adequately plan for open space. Cities paved and walled until there was nothing left. Some of the decisions made came from leaders who allowed special interests to compromise the vision and the process while other cities lacked a vision altogether.
Fortunately for this city, we have time to plan for open space.
Recently the City of Morgan Hill has taken the open space challenge and a committee was formed in April to address the issue. Work is nearing completion and recommendations are being made that will surely redefine Morgan Hill.
The committee is drawing a line around the city in establishing an urban limit line. Essentially land which is outside the line will be considered open space where development would be limited and that which is inside the line would be considered eligible for development and perhaps feathered to the urban limit line. This line takes into account geological features, hazards, ecological values, wildlife, scenic views, adjacent development and a plethora of laws and restrictions that must be considered as part of any decision.
The dilemma that confronts the committee is the needs of the community vs. the rights of the property owner. How do you tell a local farmer who has difficulty in making a living that he can not develop or sell his land as part of a new subdivision because his land is valued as open space? While on the other hand, allowing such development increases urbanization at a loss of valued and scenic rural lands. I have compassion for both views.
One of the options to consider is compensating landowners for property deemed as valued open space. Unfortunately, a funding mechanism does not currently exist for this to occur, leaving this committee with the charge of only defining an urban limit line. Perhaps such a resource could be established in the future.
The process to date has been difficult and discussions lengthy. Several members of the committee are landowners outside of the city limits whose properties could benefit financially from where the urban limit line is drawn. These are good people in every sense, and I realize that it is appropriate to have all interests participate in the process, but I am increasingly concerned that residential interests are inadequately represented.
Self interests have surfaced. One committee member, a respected land developer, convinced the committee against city staff’s recommendation to have the urban limit line drawn specifically to include his personal property for potential future subdivision. In another line decision, the committee approved against city staff’s recommendation to move the limit line right up to the edge of the eastern foothills.
During the mist recent meeting, a committee member announced that he was recently hired by another committee member to represent his land interests. In an upcoming meeting on Sept. 29, we will discuss an area where several committee members have interests. These financial interests in my opinion compromise the decision-making process.
I believe our most valued community asset, second only to its people is our open space. It defines our urban character, and supports a home town appeal that makes this city an attractive place to open a business as well as to raise a family. I am pleased that the City Council has undertaken the open space challenge, to preserve this precious resource while avoiding the mistakes of many of our neighboring cities.
I encourage anyone who supports the open space process to write this committee and this council that all interests must be presented. I also encourage residents to attend these meetings to observe and participate in the process. I also encourage residents to urge this council to have the final recommendation placed before the voters. It is not only appropriate but definitely the right thing to do.
Mark Grzan, member
Urban Limit Line (Greenbelt)
Advisory Committee
Editor’s note: The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Monday in the Villas Conference Room (located behind the Finance Office in the building next to City Hall).
