Is open space always a better use of land than even green development?
In a controversial decision the California Coastal Commission has denied permits to Sand City, a green eco resort project designed to restore habitat on a beachfront blighted by decades of sand mining. The project exceeds all applicable laws and standards, including the Local Coastal Plan certified by the CCC and the Coastal Act.
The development was appealed to the Coastal Commission by The Sierra Club after Sand City’s approval. The Superior Court of California in 2008 ordered the Coastal Commission to rehear the project under strict guidelines that would allow the project to move forward. The beach-front Ecoresort on the Monterey Peninsula has been designed as one of the greenest environmentally sensitive projects in the country. It has numerous sustainable design features, water savings, gray water recycling, significant renewable energy components, restoration of dunes and habitat, public access, 500 green jobs and 50% reduction in carbon footprint. The CCC voted on December 11th to deny the project altogether, despite strong environmental and municipal support and a Court Order, seeking instead to effectively set aside the 39 acres site and designate it as open space.
source: prnewswire; rendering: newscom
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No, there wasn’t strong environmental support for the project, nor was the project consistent with the certified LCP. All you need to do is read the staff report to see why:
Wow.. California, are we getting a little tired of eco weenies choosing fish over people? The coastal commission has acted in a very selfish manner. Monterey Needs JOBS and tax revenue, the people here are suffering.
Another reason why the water in Monterey is blue (unlike other parts of CA). This project was not abiding by the laws, nor was it a valid eco-friendly project by any definition. Venture capitalists should be aware that slapping the word “green” on something does not make it environmentally friendly. CCC scores big points with Monterey for this ruling. Let other states mess up their coastlines; we’ll just keep taking their tourism!