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In This Issue...
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Opinions
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Developing a Community Vision for Capitola
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Developing a Community Vision for Capitola
By Mike Termini
First, let me say what a pleasure it is to have the opportunity to address the citizens of Capitola in this article. I feel, with all the opportunities and challenges facing our city, it is important to discuss exactly what we want Capitola to be in the future.
Now that the Rispin project seems to be making progress, it has taught us a lot about what to do right and what to avoid in developing a project. Currently several development opportunities have come before us and it would serve the city if we all discussed the many options at public hearings. After that, having gathered the various opinions, decisive action should be taken.
We do not serve the city or its citizens by dragging a proposal through endless hearings until either the project becomes so ponderous and unfocused or economically unfeasible. Rather we, as a community, need to focus, articulate and be decisive. This holds true regardless of the outcome â€" a project approved or denied. As we saw recently with the housing project on 41st Avenue, careful but swift decisions can work. That said, we must never lose sight of the fact that there is only one opportunity to make a development project exactly what we want it to be and that is before final approval.
No development ever?
Some residents have voiced the opinion that “we should have no development whatsoever," citing overcrowding, water issues, parking, traffic and sustainability. While I fully understand these reasons, they should not be a blanket condemnation of development. We need only to keep them in mind and develop on a scale which is sustainable for our community.
Golino Property
Lately the acquisition of the Golino property along Soquel Creek has been in the news. Personally, I feel that there is value in having the property in public ownership. True, a certain amount of effort would have to be made to maintain a new public space, but what we gain from open space and moderately passive public use would far outweigh the resources spent caring for it.
I am not saying that we should immediately build a public park, walking path or public facility.
Having city ownership of this land would preserve it for future use that we can only imagine at this time. Who would have thought that the property on Jade Street would be so integral to the community when it was first acquired by our school district? What an amazing focus of community activity it has become!
Naturally, much has been said about the process and the selling price of this land. While I am not in favor of spending general fund monies on this acquisition, what is so wrong about using available state funds set aside for this exact purpose â€" to acquire public land for the benefit of all. Before we turn our back on this proposal forever, lets carefully consider all aspects. Our children might just thank us.
Capitola Theater Site
Soon we will be reviewing plans for a new hotel on the site now occupied by the Capitola Theater. This has distressed some and excited many. Are there significant challenges? Absolutely! Can they be overcome? Perhaps.
It is the task set out for the developer to make it attractive, a proper fit in the Village, have adequate parking, and not impact the city in a negative way. What will it do for our Village?
The construction of a new hotel on this site will remove what is perhaps the largest eyesore in town. The deteriorated parking lot and structure would be replaced with a beautiful new one which will bring visitors to the most picturesque spot in town, not to mention their money! But everything we do cannot revolve around the financial; there are good ways to maintain a healthy economy and bad ways.
Promoting prosperity in the Village helps us all. We will have people staying in our town without driving into the Village for a day trip. If the developer can solve the parking problems associated with this hotel, it will have visitors driving in, parking their car, and enjoying our community without getting back behind the wheel until they are ready to leave.
McGregor Property
I know, I know, this column seems to be filled with hotel after hotel, but let’s consider one more, possible uses of the city-owned McGregor lot near Park Avenue. It has been used as a shuttle parking lot (not very effectively), and now it is a place for public works to store their material.
It runs along the freeway on the frontage road which gives it freeway visibility. As with any construction project in Capitola, the design is extremely important. There are hotels and there are hotels! The site is not all buildable due to the terrain and possible environmental constraints.
A new hotel would provide a spot for visitors which has easy freeway access, thus minimizing the traffic impact in the village. Again the economic advantages are obvious, transient occupancy tax alone is significant. Is this the best use for this land? I believe so, but, all the issues have yet to be brought to light and you can look forward to public hearings on the subject.
The Last Word
Having grown up in a major metropolitan area, believe me when I say that the last thing I want to see for Capitola is overcrowding and unchecked growth. Careful planning, community input and open debate will preserve the tone and spirit or our city.
One thing I have learned over the years, “You can’t always get what you want.” Everyone should be prepared to compromise and reconsider their views. If we listen to each other, research all the issues and always keep the best interest of our community in mind, we will be able to maintain a peaceful and prosperous city.
As always, I am at your service and you can reach me at Michael@triadelectric.com or by phone at 831-476-6206.
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