LandWatch State of Monterey County Report 1998 Jenny Pennycook Response to the State of Monterey County Report Answers to LandWatch Questions - Judy Pennycook 1.) LandWatch is to be commended for its study of Monterey County's growth situation. This investigation provides valuable information that contributes to the debate over these critical issues. I believe the General Plan should be updated and adhered to. I would favor a moratorium on General Plan amendments and believe the Board of Supervisors should give greater weight to the recommendations of the Planning Commission and other advisory bodies. When the Planning Commission votes unanimously against a development project, such as Rancho Chualar II, the Board of Supervisors has an obligation to give serious attention to such a negative recommendation, not overrule it in a cavalier manner. 2.) Rather than impose an arbitrary moratorium on subdivisions greater than 25 units, I prefer a moratorium on General Plan Amendments, especially in light of Rancho Chualar II. 3.) Growth will occur naturally, but the Board of Supervisors has an obligation to assure that any growth does not aggravate our existing water, traffic, school overcrowding, and crime problems. Infrastructure must exist to support new development and we cannot depend on developers to provide such infrastructure (they did not provide a water source with Rancho Chualar I, as promised). In addition, preservation of prime farmland must remain a top priority if our County is to remain one of the world's most renowned agricultural-producing regions. In regard to affordable housing, a need exists, but only where infrastructure already exists to support it, such as within the cities. Judy Pennycook [Back to State of Monterey County Responses]
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