Dear Editor: [of the Pacifica Tribune]

Thank you for publishing Larry Nordgren's letter and for the opportunity to respond. Mr. Nordgren writes that he supports the giant housing, commercial, retail, hotel and convention center project proposed for the Pacifica quarry by Florida high-rise developer Don Peebles and suggests that Sierra Club should as well.

For the record, and on behalf of Sierra Club, let me assure our members, residents of Pacifica and Mr. Nordgren that Sierra Club in no way, shape or form supports this development. Mr. Peebles was able to buy the Pacifica quarry for the paltry sum of just $7.5 million for one reason: it has long been recognized as a wetlands endangered species habitat constrained by a creek and the inability to expand Highway One. To say that Peebles is overreaching is an understatement \u2014 he could make money on this project with just 10 houses and no commercial, retail, hotel or convention center!

For Peebles to think that he can ride into town and propose the very same type of high-density, traffic nightmare project that has been rejected by Pacifica voters in the past is the height of arrogance.

Peebles' plan is also blatantly inconsistent with the California Coastal Act as the State of California has repeatedly explained to many would-be developers of this property in the past. And make no mistake, even if this outrageous initiative were to pass, it must still be denied, by law, by the Coastal Commission. Thus the question is, why would anyone who cares about their quality of life in Pacifica vote for such an ill-conceived plan? And why hasn't anyone asked that Peebles voluntarily offer to sell this property to the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and/or the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) where its valuable environmental resources can be preserved for future generations?

Mark Massara, Esq. & Director
Sierra Club Coastal Programs

The above was sent as a Letter to the Editor of the Pacifica Tribune, and is published here with the author's permission.