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Issues |
It is hard to imagine another period in Carlsbad’s history when so many important issues were gaining traction with our residents and businesses. During the next few months, I will offer positions on the issues indicated below and others that may arise. In the meantime, please send me your comments or questions by clicking on the “Comments” link at the bottom of the page. Your opinion is important to me as I research the issues in depth and develop my platform.
Cannon Road Agricultural Land
Ever since voters passed Proposition D in 2006, the City has been working toward gaining as much community input as possible about how best to use the remaining agricultural and open space land in the Cannon Road area when agriculture is no longer viable.
I am currently a member of the citizens committee that is working to develop a plan that reflects input from hundreds of community members. This process will continue with additional public meetings.
General Plan Review
Carlsbad’s general plan has not been updated since 1994. In the past 14 years, much has changed in the City and in the entire region. It’s time for an update. What are your thoughts about what the update should include?
Growth
Carlsbad citizens approved a Growth Management Plan in 1986. This plan has guided the City’s development ever since. We are now at 85% of build out and many residents may wonder if the Plan is still being enforced. In 1986 the GMP called for an eventual population of 154,000. Today, revisions in the plan indicate a final population of 124,000. The plan in 1986 called for 54,599 dwelling units. Now, the expectation is for 44,017. Overall, the plan requires preservation of 40% of the City as open space.
NRG Power Plant
Many would like to see one of Carlsbad’s most prominent landmarks – the power plant smokestack, located just steps from the beach along Carlsbad Boulevard - go away. That may happen someday. But in the meantime, NRG West Corp., the plant’s owner, wants to build a more modern and efficient additional plant on that site. While the City of Carlsbad has no official role in the approval or disapproval of this project, its citizens can weigh in.
Open Space
“Open Space,” defined differently by different people, is always a topic of discussion, as it reflects the desire of most people for a less crowded environment. The balance between open space and other uses crops up regularly when new developments are suggested. I believe it is critically important for residents to stay up to date on open space discussions.
Ponto
As a member of the planning commission, I heard input and voted to approve the Vision Plan, following a two year environmental review and public meetings about what should be allowed to be built in Carlsbad’s southernmost coastal neighborhood. Now, decisions based on that Vision Plan will be made on a case-by-case basis as landowners bring forth development plans over the next few years.
Carlsbad Village Redevelopment
This is a very exciting time to be a land or business owners in downtown Carlsbad. Village Redevelopment promises to enhance the Village without changing its quaint and friendly character. New design standards, meant to reflect regulations that make sense in today’s environment, won the approval of the City Council. And a new noise ordinance – designed with significant input from business owners and residents – is improving the downtown experience.
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