Making the case for height initiative
In response to Chula Vista Mayor Cheryl Cox regarding “A height limit for Chula Vista?” April 26, I offer these observations.
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As advocates for the proposition, my wife and I have spoken with more than a hundred residents from all parts of Chula Vista. We have had the privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and passionate citizens this city has to offer. The consensus we hear is that a sequel to downtown San Diego is not wanted or needed here and that everyone should have a voice and vote on what our beloved city should become.
The description of proponents as “private interests” and “special interests” is quite a stretch from the fact that we are your neighbors, friends, family and plain ordinary people.
DAVID DANCIU
Chula Vista
Bud Wilson's letter published in the May 3 issue discussed some of the businesses which existed along Third Avenue in years gone by.
Such matters are irrelevant to the issue of appropriate building height along that street. The adopted Urban Core Specific Plan limits building heights to 45 feet along most of Third Avenue between E Street and G Street, but for reasons which have never been clear, seven lots within this area are allowed building heights of 84 feet. One of the sites is the now vacant Social Security building.
As a matter of urban design, it is clear to me that the permitted building height on those seven lots should be reduced to 45 feet to be consistent with the 45-foot height limit on this one-half mile stretch of Third Avenue.
JIM PETERSON
Chula Vista Planning Director (1973-82)
Why assist mayor in council choice?
The Union-Tribune's South County Editorial on May 3 endorsing Russ Hall for Chula Vista City Council Seat 3 states his candidacy is important because he is endorsed by the mayor. Also, that a mayor cannot govern without a council majority, and since Hall is endorsed by the mayor, his election would ensure her shaky 3-2 majority remains intact.
Yet, Chula Vista's Charter Section 304 states that the mayor shall have identical rights and powers of an elected council member.
Electing Hall would ensure that the remaining two council members, who frequently disagree with the mayor on issues and policies, would be neutralized. This may be legal, but it sure is not ethical, when the disenfranchisement to all the citizens who voted to elect council members Steve Castaneda and Rudy Ramirez is being cast aside to allow the mayor to have her majority whenever.
With this form of rationale, why even have citizen elections?
Never mind that the mayor's and the Russ Hall-Scott Vincent-John McCann financial core group is the San Diego Lincoln Club, composed mainly of developers and special interest groups. These interests are salivating to get their hands on Chula Vista properties. Without independent council oversight what is to prevent these interests from turning our neighborhoods into a replica of high-rise apartments and condominiums now prevalent throughout San Diego? Gentrification, forcing out low-income families, would become the norm.
Electing Russ Hall, to be a certain third vote for Mayor Cheryl Cox, would not be in the best interest of impartial governance of Chula Vista.
JERRY SCOTT
Chula Vista
