There's not enough factual information to make an informed decision about Measure L. The truth is in the details and so far, there are none. This is Mr. Peebles' strategy. It's beneficial for him, but a disaster for Pacifica. Not only are we voting in the dark but it puts our city counsel and our government regulatory agencies at a disadvantage. They won't have the bargaining or enforcement leverage because the project will already have been approved by the voters. If you sign the contract before you read it (or it even exists), buyer beware!

I want to know if my taxes will increase because of Measure L. I planned to retire here in a few years and I don't want to be surprised with unexpected tax increases. If the sewer treatment plant needs to be expanded, will the entire city be assessed for the expansion? What about the schools? Will Mr. Peebles sue the city to relocate the sewage treatment plant? If passage of Measure L gives him the mandate to build 355 residences, why wouldn't he contend the treatment plant and its offensive odor are devaluating his property? Everyone has been wondering how Mr. Peebles would be able to market expensive housing when the area smells so bad. Guess who will pay for that.

We should look to the financial consequences of major development on other small towns. Mr. Peebles isn't the first developer to mislead a community with false promises about residential tax revenue. Historically, residential development does not generate surplus revenue. Rather, it places an additional burden on city resources. The tax base increases, but the cost base grows far more. So far, Mr. Peebles has not supplied any supporting documentation for his city revenue estimates.

I am voting NO on quarry development until there is an actual project with factual support to back up the promises. Require Mr. Peebles to comply with the normal planning process. That's not too much to ask.

Alison Thomas
Vallemar

The above was printed as a Letter to the Editor in the October 18th, 2006 Pacifica Tribune, and is republished here with the author's permission.