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The
pressures on Monterey County are immense. We need to take action
now to avoid urban sprawl, traffic gridlock, and the erosion of
the quality of life so evident in California's larger cities.
In
the next 20 years, Monterey County is projected to grow by almost
40% to a population of over 500,000 people (an increase of 150,000
new residents). Housing demand will increase. Traffic congestion
will increase. Farmland, open space, and natural resources may be
lost. Our water basins are overdrafted, highways are congested,
schools are overcrowded and other infrastructure is inadequate to
accommodate current demands. Monterey County is quickly becoming
a bedroom community for Silicon Valley, and the charm and natural
beauty that delights both residents and visitors is threatened.
LandWatch
Promotes and Inspires Sound Land Use Legislation
LandWatch
will keep the public informed about the status of land use planning
in the county. We will monitor the local government agencies responsible
for land use decisions, and participate in the public process to
promote land use policies that protect the environment, and that
will maintain economic vitality. LandWatch is the only professionally-staffed
nonprofit organization in Monterey County dedicated solely to this
mission.
Again
and again, the public learns about destructive development policies
and projects too late in the planning process to stop or modify
them. LandWatch provides an early warning system so the public will
have input at the beginning stages of planning.
LandWatch
connects people to government.
Local
elected officials and governmental agencies need to pay more attention
to the collective impact of individual projects. Land Watch has
the expertise to represent the public interest, and to provide constructive,
realistic input to offset relentless pressure from developers.
The
public, too, needs to be better informed about growth and its overall
impacts. Residents must understand the options, learn to participate
in a more meaningful way in the planning process, and know whether
elected and appointed governmental officials are serving their interest.
Who
will decide the use of our community's most valued resource, our
land?
Who
ought to be influencing our elected officials on land use issues?
Will we leave it to those who make it their full-time business to
profit from development? It's time for the residents, whose only
profit is to live amid the beauty and health of the land, to get
organized and take responsibility for its stewardship.
Land
is Monterey County's most valuable resource. Planning decisions
made today will affect generations to come. While some make it their
business to profit from development, whether well-planned or ill-conceived,
LandWatch Monterey County commits to work for the public interest.
To
accomplish this important work, your financial support is critical.
The quality of life we enjoy today will be either preserved or compromised,
depending on your involvement.
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