Podcast: |
Thursday, February 26, 2015
FORA
As previously noted, Fort Ord planning efforts are now underway. The Fort Ord Reuse Authority has hired consultants to develop “Regional Urban Design Guidelines.” According to reports, some 1,200 people have become involved in the planning efforts so far. You can still weigh in, if you have a mind to participate. Check kusp.org/landuse for more information.
It appears that if you sign up to be part of the process, the consultant group will then ask for your “vote” on particular ideas or concepts. I did sign up, and was asked to vote on “what kinds of transportation options should be emphasized within the former Fort Ord.” On the list were “cars,” “public transit,” “walkability improvements,” “cycling amenities,” “horses,” and a request for “any others.” One commenter promptly said “runners.”
I think that planning that is based on community participation and community goal setting (even over the Internet) is a lot better than the kind of planning that occurs only when landowners and developers have a particular project in mind. It is true, however, that the current planning effort is based on the thought that “urban” development is going to be at the center of future land uses on the former Fort Ord. That might not, in fact, be the “best use” of these lands, particularly since so much of the former Fort Ord is in public ownership. If you care, get involved!
More Information:
Former Santa Cruz County Supervisor Gary Patton talks about land use, and land use decisions, with an emphasis on public participation and how the land use process works.