Shedding some light on the Westside

Eric Bever

Regarding recent letters about Westside redevelopment:

It seems that many in this community are confused and perhaps have

been intentionally misled regarding many aspects of the Westside

redevelopment area expansion study.

Many recent Pilot writers seem to be oblivious to certain facts:

1) The Redevelopment Agency is considering only the preliminary

plan area, which, after adoption, is usually whittled down to a great

degree. This is a starting point folks, not the final added area. A

final vote will be required to adopt any added area.

2) Redevelopment is a lengthy and detailed process that is

governed by myriad laws, requiring numerous steps and public

hearings.

3) “Residents” were not in opposition at the recent redevelopment

meeting; those attending were mostly nonresident business people who

had been stirred up by scare tactics of other nonresident business

owners.

4) The redevelopment agency is required by law to have a debt if

it is to benefit from the tax increment generated by the

redevelopment area. No debt, no tax increment income.

5) Redevelopment does not equal the widespread use of eminent

domain. It can open the door for the use of eminent domain, but does

not require it. It is doubtful that the agency will opt to make

widespread use of this tool, as they are also humans who are

compelled by the same feelings and concerns as the rest of us.

Eminent domain is not automatic or overall, but rather, will be

deliberated and adopted on a case-by-case basis, if at all.

6) Contrary to popular belief, the Community Redevelopment Action

Committee is not in business to produce any type of redevelopment

plan, but rather, is charged with addressing revitalization of the

entire Westside. There is no need to wait for the committee’s

deliberations, as they do not address redevelopment.

7) The city is assessing the area, not cementing any type of plan.

The claims that “the city is going to take your property and build

low-cost housing” are baseless claims made by folks who don’t live

here, but who like things the way they are.

8) Being in a redevelopment area will not necessarily depress

property values; however, leaving things the way they are will

depress values.

While I certainly do not advocate wanton use of eminent domain, it

is a tool which may be necessary in specific instances.

The threat of eminent domain is a red herring which is currently

being used to keep the Westside mired in a dysfunctional state.

Conscientious Costa Mesa residents must demand that all possible

solutions be considered before resorting to taking of property, but

we must also have the courage to use every tool at our disposal to

reverse the downward spiral of the Westside.

We owe it to ourselves, our neighbors, and our children to stand

firm and demand the best for our city.

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Eric Bever is a Costa Mesa resident.