The future of land use planning in Monterey County should revolve around the creative reuse and redevelopment of the former Fort Ord. The fact that these federally-owned lands are being turned over to local control, and to public ownership, gives local communities an unprecedented opportunity to do creative planning, and to provide truly affordable housing. Unfortunately, the opportunities on Fort Ord have not yet been realized, and could be lost!
Marina Coast Water District Seeks To Annex All Of Fort Ord (144K PDF file)
Marina Coast Water District is proposing to annex the entire Fort Ord area. LandWatch sent a letter to both MCWD and LAFCO on November 17, 2011 questioning this proposal. We reviewed the Draft Initial Study/Negative Declaration for proposed changes to the MCWD jurisdictional boundaries. The project would amend MCWD’s Sphere of Influence and expand its Service Area to include all of the former Fort Ord including lands within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army. MCWD currently provides service to this area as outlined in the 1998 Water/Wastewater Facilities Agreement between FORA and MCWD which expires when FORA sunsets in 2014. The proposed project would allow water and wastewater service to continue beyond the FORA expiration and provide customers the right to vote for MCWD Board of Directors. We asked a variety of questions about the proposal and LandWatch outlined these questions at the LAFCO hearing on December 5th. (02.02.12)
FORA forum this Thursday, December 1st, please attend!
FORA is set to sunset June 30, 2014. This forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, intends to explore the issues around the possible extension of FORA. (11.29.11)
Supporters submitted 18,000 signatures to overturn the decision on the MST / Whispering Oaks Project
Thanks to the many organizations including LandWatch, the Fort Ord Recreational Users, Sustainable Marina and Seaside, over 18,000 signatures were gathered in hopes to overturn the Monterey County Board of Supervisors' July 12th decision to approve the MST/Whispering Oaks project. (08.11.11)
MST and Corral Mall final votes this Tuesday, July 12th
This Tuesday, July 12th, the Board of Supervisors will decide on two major projects in Monterey County
Blurb for homepage: July 12th is an important day for Monterey County! Two major projects will be decided by the Board of Supervisors: the MST / Whispering Oaks project in Fort Ord and the Corral de Tierra Shopping Center with a new 100,000 square foot proposal. (07.07.11)
LandWatch Responds to Supervisors on the MST / Whispering Oaks Appeal. The final hearing is July 12th
On June 14th the Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 their “intent to approve” the project and closed the public hearing despite: the Planning Commission’s unanimous denial; strong opposition from the community; and an 80-page letter from LandWatch outlining myriad concerns with the project. The Board will consider adopting the findings of approval of the project on July 12th. (06.24.11)
The Board of Supervisors will consider the MST / Whispering Oaks projects on June 14th
This project, denied unanimously by the Planning Commission, proposes to cut down 4,400 oak trees despite the fact that alternative sites exist. (05.31.11)
Fort Ord Developer Fee Reduction Proposal
On April 8th, LandWatch submitted technical comments to the Fort Ord Re-Use Authority (FORA) on the proposal to reduce fees for developers in the former Fort Ord area. At the April 8th meeting, the FORA Board voted to lower fees while continuing to fund the habitat mitigation program at the current level. LandWatch recommended an environmental review of any possible fee reduction and mentioned the concern that such a reduction could significantly impact on-site improvement projects. (05.05.11)
FORA Design Guidelines Are Too Weak
FORA should protect the views of Fort Ord from Highway One. Unfortunately, the proposed “Design Guidelines" make no commitment to viewshed protection, and will let each city “make their own rules." This LandWatch letter supports the efforts of Congress Member Sam Farr and Carmel Mayor Sue McCloud to have FORA adopt stronger guidelines. (11.22.04)
Fort Ord Demands A Different Approach
Because the public owns the lands on the former Fort Ord, development proposals should be handled differently. LandWatch Executive Director Gary Patton makes the case in this article from the Monterey County Herald. (posted 08.26.03)
It's Time To Contact FORA Board Members
The Board of Directors of the Fort Ord Reuse Authority will vote on July 11th on a set of affordable housing policies that could have an incredibly positive impact, if adopted. Here's how to contact FORA Board Members by phone, email, or regular mail. (posted 07.06.03)
LandWatch Supports Farr Affordable Housing Recommendations
This long letter provides a detailed legal and policy justification for the affordable housing policies that the FORA Board will consider on July 11, 2003. (posted 07.05.03)
Farr Recommendations Would Mandate Affordable Housing on Fort Ord
Currently, FORA makes no specific requirement that affordable housing be constructed on the Former Fort Ord. That's left up to the local jurisdictions. Sam Farr's recommendations would change all that! (posted 07.05.03)
Applications Are Open For Fort Ord "Community Advisory Group"
The California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is establishing a "Community Advisory Group" for Fort Ord, to monitor toxic cleanup issues on Fort Ord. Applications from interested persons are being received now, but they must be postmarked by May 30, 2003! (posted 05.21.03)
Town Hall Meetings on Affordable Housing
The Fort Ord Reuse Authority will soon be holding two Town Hall Meetings, to focus on affordable housing opportunities at the former Fort Ord. (posted 05.05.03)
Affordable Housing Opportunities on Fort Ord
Fort Ord provides an outstanding opportunity for Monterey County communities to build the kind of affordable housing that the community truly needs. The Fort Ord Reuse Authority (FORA) is expected to make some important decisions at its May 9, 2003 meeting. Read the Clark Group report that FORA will consider, as it takes action on affordable housing issues. (03.30.03)
Option Agreement Gives Up Future Public Discretion Over Fort Ord
The Option Agreement approved by the Board of Supervisors on February 4, 2003, cedes broad authority to a private developer, with few guarantees for the public. A letter from LandWatch outlines the problems. (02/05/03)
