DANA POINT : Put General Plan on Ballot, Curreri Says

This city’s General Plan may be tested by a citywide vote after all.

One day after a grass roots coalition’s petition demanding a referendum was ruled invalid because of technical reasons, Councilwoman Judy Curreri said Thursday that she will urge the council to call for a vote on the General Plan anyway.

Curreri expressed confidence that city voters would “overwhelmingly” approve the city plan but added that a vote would be beneficial.

“If there are people who have doubts, maybe we need to find out how many other people out there oppose the plan,” Curreri said. “But I feel very confident that once the misinformation in the community is clarified, the General Plan will be validated.”

Unhappiness with the General Plan began simmering during the 13-month public hearing process and came to a head when the council approved the plan unanimously July 9. At that time, a group called the Dana Point Action Coalition began circulating a petition, hoping to force a referendum.

The group claims that the plan will change the small-town character of the city and cause traffic problems.

Last week, the coalition submitted its petition containing an estimated 2,300 signatures to City Clerk Mary Carlson, only to find out Wednesday that the petition was technically flawed.

Curreri said she wants to put the issue on the ballot to show the people, even those who don’t agree with the plan, that the council listens.

Curreri’s fellow council members expressed surprise, however.

“I would be willing to look at the idea, although I think the community would overwhelmingly support the General Plan, particularly when they find out that it dramatically reduces the amount of development that would have been allowed under the old land-use documents,” Mayor Mike Eggers said. “But I would prefer to debate the merits of the plan in public sessions versus having to go to an emotional and expensive election.”

Councilwoman Eileen Krause said she does not think an election is warranted.

“I’m not afraid of the vote, but I’m not sure it’s really necessary,” Krause said. “I’m not sure some of the people who signed the petition were sure of what they signed. I would prefer a public workshop. I would welcome an open dialogue.”

Curreri said she will ask for a council vote on the citywide election at the next council meeting Aug. 27.