Act V workshop far better than expected...
Act V workshop far better than expected
This is a follow-up to my letter last week, “Workshop not what it
was meant to be,” (Jan. 14 Coastline Pilot) in which I explained my
disappointment that the workshop on the “Corporation Yard and Public
Parking Project” scheduled for Jan. 15 didn’t appear to be what I and
others envisioned.
The meeting took place Saturday. Facilitator Delia Horwitz made it
very clear that the discussion would focus on positive solutions that
would result in compromise on the points listed and if anyone got off
track, she would interrupt and reel them back in.
I have to admit, that by the end of the day, the word workshop
took on a whole new meaning. It was obvious this was not your
traditional informal type workshop. It turned out to be much, much
better and far more informative than I thought it would be.
Councilman Steve Dicterow mentioned that he felt the day’s
activities had been a success and suggested that this type workshop
meeting might be used for other projects of community interest. I
would say go for it. This could be a new and refreshing approach that
could help bring all segments of the community together on a variety
of projects.
A big thank you goes to our City Council, especially Mayor
Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider, Councilwoman Toni Iseman and Horwitz,
who did their homework and provided facts that made intelligent
discussion possible resulting in an extremely interesting and
informative day.
I agree with Pearson’s e-mail, which summed up the workshop, that
this is very exciting as it gives me hope that maybe there is still
the possibility that the Village Entrance will become a reality in my
lifetime.
CAROLYN WOOD
Laguna Beach
City did its job in Montage negotiations
Over the last few years, a great deal has been written about the
Montage Resort, both positive and negative. The question has been
asked, “Did the city do its job?” Let’s look at the facts.
The city of Laguna Beach has a world-class resort that everyone I
know enjoys. Many regard it as the best new resort in America. Its
success is of considerable benefit to our city.
Current projections are that Montage will bring the city nearly $4
million in discretionary revenue per year (in current dollars). Right
now, more than $500,000 goes straight to the general fund from sales
and property taxes. This is over and above the monies that come in
from bed tax. And the park and public parking structure -- funded by
visitor-paid bed taxes -- will have been paid off in three and a half
years.
The city not only has a world-class resort in Montage; it has a
word-class park there as well. The city required the developer to set
aside seven acres of the 30-acre site for the public park, pathways
and subterranean public parking area. (Only 19 acres of the site were
actually developable.) The escalation of the cost of these
improvements occurred for a number of reasons. Additional park area
was added beyond what initially was planned, extensive grading was
required for the parking area and to shore up the bluffs for the
park, and the Planning Commission and design review process added a
number of costly but worthwhile improvements. Keep in mind that no
checks were written for the public improvements -- only bed tax
forgiven and paid for by hotel guests, not residents -- and forgiven
for less than four years.
Some more history and clarification: The city did waive certain
permit fees as part of the negotiations, not an uncommon practice for
cities that stand to gain far more in tax revenue. The city
effectively lost close to $1.5 million as a result of the six-month
appeal to the Coastal Commission by Montage opponents.
Many people may not know that to avoid the six-month delay, the
developer offered project opponents an agreement that unfortunately
was turned down: residential development would have been reduced with
a commensurate increase in the public park and open space. The
project was appealed anyway; the Coastal Commission denied the appeal
and unanimously upheld the city approvals. The public in the process
lost an opportunity for more open space (in exchange for one of the
estate lots), and the city consequently lost six months’ worth of bed
tax.
A few more points of clarification: the negotiated interest rate
on the park costs was 10% and the city only paid 8.5%. This was the
prevailing rate for a commercial construction loan, far different
than residential refinancing rates. City projects require a city
project manager to oversee the improvements. The Montage was not
given a project manager by the city, and rent was not paid for the
trailer in which the city employee worked. Finally, despite what some
may have been led to believe, dedications of libraries and senior
centers would generally not be required of a project the size of the
Montage.
Your Planning Commission, Design Review Board and City Council
worked very hard during the long and very public process of planning
and development of the Montage Resort. The height of the hotel is
well below the allowable limit, ocean views were required for 50% of
the frontage along Coast Highway, and the public parking area was
designed to maximize the view, be aesthetically pleasing and easily
accessed. The park, the two public restrooms, and the public parking
structure are all maintained in perpetuity by the resort owners --
not the city. In comparison, Heisler Park costs the city
approximately $200,000 per year and today is in need of a costly
renovation.
Did the city do its job? You bet. At no time did this City Council
member forget that she worked for the best interests of the residents
of our community. If letter writers wish for inspiration, go down to
Treasure Island Park at the Montage Resort, stroll along the path
overlooking the ocean, and walk down to the beautiful coves. We truly
are fortunate to have this wonderful resort.
KATHLEEN BLACKBURN
Former mayor and City Council member
Laguna Beach
The view from the Athens Group
I am writing to you both as a proud resident of Laguna Beach and
on behalf of The Athens Group, developer of Montage Resort and Spa.
I would like to compliment Councilwoman Toni Iseman on her letter,
“Iseman responds to accusations,” that appeared in all three papers
last week. In that letter, Iseman calls for local political discourse
to be based on values and vision and for debate to focus more on
specific policy differences. We applaud the tone of working in a
positive spirit and at the same time, believe her letter raises
specific points that warrant public clarification.
The resort paid up-front for all the public improvements and those
costs have been reimbursed not by local residents but by visitors
staying at the resort, via the bed tax. Without clarification,
Iseman’s letter might leave the impression that Laguna Beach
residents paid for the public park and the public parking facilities
a the resort. The bed tax repayment for the public improvements,
according to our information, will be completed some time toward the
end of next year -- which is on track with estimates stated during
the referendum campaign.
Additionally, the resort provides nearly $4 million per year in
total support for Laguna Beach through property, sales and bed tax
dollars -- of which roughly $3 million is in bed taxes. This
represents nearly 10% of the city’s general fund and has
significantly increased the city’s total discretionary income.
The most important fact for residents to know is that they have
not paid a single cent for the resort. Yes, some permit-processing
fees were waived, but that represents, as does the short-lived bed
tax repayment, revenues temporarily forgone -- not hard dollar costs
to the city. Such revenues would not have been there in any case,
except for this project. More important and of great benefit to the
community, are the costs we have assumed going forward. Maintenance
on the park is the sole responsibility of the resort owner, in
perpetuity. The cost of maintaining these public amenities represents
tens of millions of dollars over time.
Additional points of clarification:
* The city did not pay rent for office space and the full-time
city staff person assigned to the construction project was not
“given” to Montage but rather served as a public “watch-dog” to
ensure that every detail was completed per city specifications.
Unlike most projects, not a single hotel room could be occupied, nor
a singe residential permit pulled, until the city accepted all the
public improvements.
* The public improvement costs rose over the initial estimate for
a number of reasons, mainly related to good design. The Planning
Commission, Design Review Board and City Council decided (and we
agreed) that the new park at the resort should be unique, a jewel. No
detail was overlooked in the design of the park, adding to increase
in cost. For example, everyone agreed that the landscaping needed to
be first rate; just the cost alone of lowering and landscaping the
Wesley Drive parking structure added at least $1 million to the total. But the result, most agree, is worth it: far better ocean
views and, in lieu of a concrete structure, an attractive green park
area along the public streetscape.
We’re extremely proud of the resort. We take enormous pride in
knowing that we’ve implemented the most stringent water-quality
standards and best management practices ever imposed on a commercial
project in California -- a key component of the project’s rare
unanimous approval at the Coastal Commission.
We also take pride in indications that public support for Montage
is higher today than at the time of the referendum when voters
endorsed the hotel -- recognition that Montage has turned out well
beyond most people’s expectations.
As I look ahead, I know that the resort will continue to be a
world-class resort and thus a valuable asset for Laguna Beach. Laguna
Beach is a unique community in many respects, one where a high value
is placed on the involvement of the public in shaping community
development. We welcome public comments on what we’re doing and look
forward to continuing to work together to make a positive difference.
JOHN MANSOUR
The Athens Group
Montage deal still irks opponents
According to the press and interviews, both Mayor Elizabeth
Pearson-Schneider and Frank Ricchiazzi appear to be delighted with
the Montage Spa and Resort paying out $300,000 in property and sales
taxes to the city when the amount should really be around $3 million
if bed taxes were included -- but they are not.
Frank Ricchiazzi and the Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn. have
orchestrated a letter-writing campaign trying to con us into
believing that the city is receiving adequate taxes from the Montage
by touting the amount of $300,000 for this year as good. This amount
is paltry. The taxpayers association members talk about fiscal
responsibility as if they invented the term. So where was the
taxpayers association when Laguna needed them? Where was the
association when the Montage was given a $2.5-million budget for the
public park, parking structure, and landscaping and then upon
completion they stuck the city with a bill of $9.7 million?
I’ll tell you where they were; absent as well as silent.
In 1999, the taxpayers association told us that the bed tax from
the Montage Resort would produce a revenue stream that could fund
much-needed improvements within the city. Until 2008 even though
there are millions in bed taxes coming in from the Montage all of it
will be going toward paying off this debt. Funny that they are now
delighted with the current amount of only $300,000 coming into the
city coffers. Let’s see what that could buy; toxic weed and feed that
Montage like to use to keep their fluffy grass oh-so-green, or two
new benches outside City Hall for those weary flatlanders. Certainly
not much else.
So what is the taxpayers association saying now? They’re saying
that the city will be getting $300,000 from the Montage and hoping
you won’t notice the $2.7 million discrepancy. So why have they been
absent, silent and trying to spin the bad news to look like good
news? Because it was their cronies on the council, Mayor Elizabeth
Pearson-Schneider and council members Cheryl Kinsman and Steve
Dicterow, who make up the council majority and who were financially
incompetent at that time as to allow this situation to exist.
Maybe they can fool all of us some of the time, but this time most
of us aren’t fooled.
CHARLOTTE MASARIK
Laguna Beach
Taxpayer’s thoughts are independent
After reading the letters in last week’s community papers I had to
respond.
Taxpayers are individuals who live busy, fulfilled lives and are
not in each other’s pockets. I was pleasantly surprised that so many
of “us” wrote since we do not get together to write letters that
follow party lines like other groups in town. You know the ones --
long-winded letters that regurgitate the same old thing that are
nothing but long winded editorials.
So, when you read a letter from one of the taxpayers, keep in
mind, we are independent thinkers.
MARTHA LYDICK
President,
Laguna Beach Taxpayers Assn.
Shack plans will work well for area
I’m writing to you in support of the current project proposal at
the Pottery Shack.
Many people have decried the reduction in parking granted for this
historical building/project.
I would like to point out that the restaurant/businesses will be
used by many locals as well who walk, not drive.
They will also be used by pedestrian traffic as well.
Will there be an impact to the neighborhood? Most certainly.
Does the historical significance of the pottery shack outweigh the
impact to the neighborhood?
I believe it does. I live in the neighborhood and I’m willing to
adapt.
I think the impact to the historical integrity of the neighborhood
will be greatly diminished if the Pottery Shack is demolished and
replaced with a three-story modern structure such as the one block
north on South Coast Highway (which houses Gina’s, the Heidelberg,
etc.).
This is quite possible and within the rights of the developers if
they choose to pursue that course. I have postcards depicting the
pottery shack throughout many decades. It’s a big part of Laguna
history.
The pottery shack is a Laguna institution.
Will the pottery shack remain as it has in the past?
No.
But historically significant buildings maintain a thread of
history and continuity of our town; an importance we shouldn’t
overlook.
I appreciate that progress is inevitable. I believe that the
project that is proposed for the Pottery Shack will maintain most of
the history and provide for an updated use of the structure.
KEN PACE
Laguna Beach
New police chief should know city well
Of course the officer selected to replace retiring Chief James
Spreine should have plenty of police supervisory experience, that’s a
given. But in addition our new police chief should be familiar with
our strange town. That is, a town full of tourists and visitors, a
long narrow town of difficult topography, weird streets and even more
weird people, which includes me.
Fortunately, we have at least two well-qualified officers on our
own police force. I am not suggesting that we shouldn’t examine
outside qualified candidates, but I firmly believe we should give a
high priority to promotion within our own force when we have such
well-qualified candidates available -- candidates who are familiar
with our police officers, our town, our politics and our other
peculiar attributes and failings.
DAVE CONNELL
Laguna Beach
Speak out on Alta Laguna development
The Top of the World neighborhood needs help in trying to preserve
public views form the north end of Alta Laguna Boulevard, from the
Alta Laguna Park and the mini view park at the end of the cul-de-sac.
We encourage your readers to go look at the stakes at the lot
furthest north [3355 Alta Laguna Blvd.] and attend the Design Review
Board public hearing scheduled for Jan. 27.
This staking, for a 6,000-square-foot house, should be compared to
the recently completed home next door, which we consider a reasonable
compromise where the homeowner will enjoy tremendous unobstructed
180-degree-plus views while a significant portion of public views is
preserved.
In the past several years, 3355 Alta Laguna Blvd. representatives
have attended numerous public hearings concerning this and the
adjacent property. Mark Singer is the architect for both. All of the
other lot owners in this sensitive location have recognized in their
designs the importance of preserving the public views from this
location. The public and the Design Review Board’s concerns and
perspectives were clearly and exhaustively identified and repeatedly
explained at great length to this owner. From the staking of the
proposed house it would appear that all of this exhaustive input has
fallen on deaf ears.
The city needs to enforce the city’s general plan and Coastal Act
protection for prominent ridgelines, public parks, public views, open
space values and environmentally sensitive areas. The city needs to
hear from the public; input should be given the Design Review Board,
city of Laguna Beach, 505 Forest Ave. Please attend the Design Review
Board meeting on Jan. 27.
PIERO WEMYSS
President,
GENE FELDER
Secretary,
Top of the World Neighborhood Assn.
No good excuse for nasty campaign
Yes, I know you have heard all this before but as I haven’t been
able to get it off my mind. I think I’ll go ahead and say my piece
concerning the tactics employed to promote a candidate who runs for
office in our fair town.
I returned to Laguna from Italy at the end of October to a town
filled with ugly signs and newspapers filled with one-sided writing
that just blew me away. I couldn’t believe this was my little Village
of Laguna.
Do not misunderstand, I am not against campaigning for the person
you feel is best for the position of council person. What I, and so
many others, objected to was the uncalled for smear ads, signs and
fliers with which we were bombarded daily.
The degradation of one candidate was an indication of the
thousands of dollars being poured into this attack and an indication
of the caliber of those responsible for doing it.
Residents deplored the level to which politics had sunk.
To further substantiate the mean-spirited manner perceived by
everyone, there was a follow up article in Coastline that interviewed
some of the people who had been involved with this campaign action
about the way they felt about their own behavior after the election.
Their answer was an “in your face” attitude that stated whatever had
to be done to win was OK and, further, that they usually win.
I’m sure these people had the money to hire expert, expensive
advice that kept them legal but ethically it’s another story, one
which we real Lagunans hope will never be repeated .
Oh yes, one more thing to keep in mind, the next time these same
folks want something it could be your honor or your business or your
town, and if you happen to be in the way ...
ANNE ENGLAND
Laguna Beach
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