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Citizens Launch Initiative to Save Laguna Beach Open Space
Irvine Co. to Build 4,450 Homes in Outer Laguna Canyon
Interactive Greenbelt Map
Citizens Launch Open Space Initiative: Question & Answer
Q&A: Citizens Open Space Initiative
What is the purpose?
The purpose is to acquire the balance of undeveloped open lands inside city limits: to permanently protect these parcels from development, and to maintain and preserve them in perpetuity. Dozens of parcels total roughly 550 acres. Any parcel acquired with funds under this measure must be used for open space.
What does it cost?
Ten dollars a month, for 20 years. Each parcel pays a simple, flat annual assessment of $120, collected with annual county property taxes.
Will eminent domain [public taking] be used?
No. It is prohibited. Acquisitions will be negotiated with willing sellers.
Who decides which parcels to buy?
The City Council controls the expenditure of city funds. However, a watchdog committee will oversee and provide independent reports to the public—the same sort of system used to oversee how voter-approved school bond funds are spent.
What can lands acquired be used for?
Only for conservation and passive public use and enjoyment, such as hiking.
How will lands acquired be maintained?
The measure requires that four percent of the funds be set aside for purposes of maintenance activities, such as approved fuel modification to protect against fire. This is the first time the City will be earmarking such funds for maintenance.
How long will this parcel tax last?
Twenty years. It has a provision that requires an automatic sunset at that time.
How much will this parcel tax raise?
Approximately $20 million over its life, enough to acquire the City’s remaining open space. Roughly $1 million will be raised each year through the annual flat parcel tax of $120. There will be no bonds, no debt, and no interest payments.
What if voters turn this down?
Undeveloped lands may be developed someday. So long as a vacant parcel is zoned for development, and it has or is entitled to a legal building site, cities are obliged now under state law to approve a conforming project for that parcel.
Photo Location:
Laguna Lakes, Jim Dilley Preserve.
Photo Credit: Jerry Burchfield
The Laguna Greenbelt Fact:
Laurel Canyon is named for the Laurel Sumac, a large evergreen plant that can rise to 10’ It has thick, taco-shaped leaves and is often used as a frost indicator.
