Abstract: With regard to Measure I, the texts of ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE I and REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE I, from the MONTEREY COUNTY ELECTIONS SAMPLE BALLOT pamphlet, are reproduced. Measure I requires Majority Approval for passage.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF OR IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED LAWS ARE THE OPINIONS OF THE AUTHORS.
MEASURE I
City of Carmel-by-the-Sea
ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE I
For 10 plus years, City Councils have voted to preserve Flanders Mansion by ensuring its continued use as an historic family residence. After 35 years of study, the City found no municipal use for this isolated building that would merit its restoration cost and long-term maintenance. Sale as an historic home will put it back on property tax rolls and end these costs.
Built in 1924 on the eastern edge of the Mission Trail Park (MTP) at 25800 Hatton Road, the approximately 6,000-square-foot Flanders Mansion is accessed by a driveway from Hatton Road. In 1971 Carmel purchased 17.5 acres and in 1972 14.9 acres including Flanders to form MTP. Twice during this period the City denied subdivision of the property. In 1989 Flanders was placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its local significance.
After the City’s purchase, Council twice discussed the possibility of selling the house to finance the purchase of the 32.4 acres of open space (of which the City has a total of 135 acres). The City borders three sides of MTP, while the east side (Hatton Road) is a residential area located in Monterey County.
The City began discussing possible uses of Flanders at a town hall meeting in 1977. Subsequently, five task forces were formed, one deliberated for eight years, to determine a use which would be compatible with the Hatton Road residential area. None was found. Flanders has been vacant since 2003 as it is not compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act nor seismically retrofitted as necessary for public use.
Please vote with the last six Councils to sell Flanders (including 1.252 improved acres—house, roundabout and driveway access) to preserve this historic family residence, while retaining 31 plus acres in MTP.
/s/ Sue McCloud Mayor
/s/ Karen Sharp Mayor Pro Tempore
/s/Paula Hazdovac Councilperson
/s/ Gerard Rose Councilperson
/s/ Ken Talmage Councilperson
REBUTTAL TO THE ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE I
Proponents of Measure “I” claim that the best way to preserve the property at the heart of Mission Trail Park is to sell it.
But you cannot preserve park land by selling it. If park land is sold into private hands, it is no longer park land. The physical property may be “preserved,” but as a park, it is eliminated.
Let there by no confusion, a sale would eliminate a critical part of Mission Trail Park forever. We would lose trails, views and ambiance. Open space would be replaced by walls and fences.
The city’s General Plan contains a clear, firm commitment to “preserve and acquire open space and parks.” This is a public trust: The city council is required to protect our park land on our behalf.
But if the property is sold, the heart of Mission Trail Park will be gone forever.
And there is no need to sell. The city has significant reserves and budget surpluses. Several organizations have already offered to take on the repair and maintenance of the building and land, at no cost to the city of Carmel.
Mission Trail Park is a treasured recreational and environmental resource. Please help keep the park intact, for all of us, and for future generations.
Please vote no on the sale of park land: Vote No on Measure “I.”
/s/ James C. Emery Retired/Resident
/s/ Margaret Young Resident
/s/ Margery C. Adams Retired/Resident
/s/ Gregory D’Ambrosio Retired/Resident
/s/ Roberta G. Miller Retired/Resident
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