The League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula Urges a "Yes" Vote on Measure E

The League's support for Measure E is based on past studies (1978, 1992) and consensus by the League's membership for these long standing positions. Our positions state that we support measures that control growth, provide for orderly development, and protect the environment. The League also supports land use plans which lead to pedestrian oriented communities and which are within well defined and compact urban areas separated by open space and parks. Further, the League supports efforts which will lead to sustainable communities, balancing the need for affordable (low and moderate income) housing with the protection of the natural environment and which will provide jobs for the local residents. We believe that the urban growth boundary proposed by Measure E will lead to a more livable and sustainable community of Marina.

Specifically, Measure E would establish a boundary defining where development during the next 20 years would occur. The boundary would encompass existing city limits, with two exceptions - the coastal sand plant area would be excluded and the MBEST Center would be included. Without Measure E, over 1,700 acres between the Marina and the Del Monte interchange would be transformed into urban sprawl. Development under the proposed Marina General Plan would add to congestion on Highways 1 and 156 and create a 25% water deficit.

Measure E would protect the coastline from a large new resort at the sand plant site, redirect investment and development activity to the former Fort Ord, and increase affordable housing opportunities within redevelopment areas where State law requires 20% of redevelopment funds to be used for affordable housing. Measure E would allow for an 88% increase in population in contrast to a 130% increase under the proposed General Plan.

Signed: Robin Tokmakian,
President of LWV of the Monterey Peninsula