Vol. 20 No. 09 Sep 2005
Analysis Of Wal-Mart's Impact On Downtown Anderson Survives
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amA lawsuit challenging a Wal-Mart store on the grounds that it would create downtown urban decay was rejected by the Third District Court of Appeal. The court did rule, however, that the Central Valley city of Anderson needed to require additional money to pay for the project’s fair-share for improvements to a freeway interchange.
Housing Element Process Delayed: Southern California, Bay Area Get 2-Year Postponements From HCD
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amThe next round of housing element updates will be delayed by two years for all of Southern California outside of San Diego County and for the Bay Area. The two-year postponement might be extended to all jurisdictions except San Diego, although state officials have not made that decision.
Federal Transportation Bill Provides Mixed Bag
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amPresident Bush’s signature on the federal transportation bill in August opened the spigot for $21.6 billion in federal money for California. The bill funds hundreds of specific projects, ranging from a $25 million “non-motorized transportation pilot program” in Marin County to carpool lanes on the San Diego Freeway in Los Angeles to a study of a new transportation corridor between western Riverside County and Orange County.
Preservationists, Residents Win And Lose In Conflict Over Venice Project
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amThe Second District Court of Appeal has issued another ruling in the long-running controversy over the proposed demolition of a garden apartment complex in Venice. The latest ruling allowed both sides in the debate to claim victory.
Supreme Court Ruling Buttresses State Enforcement Of Mining Rules
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amThe director of the state Department of Conservation has standing to sue a local agency over mining and reclamation plans approved by the local agency, the state Supreme Court has ruled unanimously. The ruling was a clear victory for state enforcement of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), which regulates all surface mines in California.
San Jose Plan Would Update Suburban Industrial District
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amThe City of San Jose has adopted a plan that seeks to transform the north end of town from a suburban-style industrial park into a transit-oriented district featuring mid-rise office buildings, tens of thousands of high-density residential units and retail outlets to serve employees and residents.
In Brief: Water Rights Dispute At Lake Arrowhead
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amThe latest news from around the state includes water rights dispute stunting growth around Lake Arrowhead...U.S. District Court judge has ordered two lawyers to pay up for racketeering lawsuit... belated housewarming for new San Jose City Hall...1907 subdivision map validity upheld...EIR released for high-speed rail and more.
Energy Bill Doesn't End Controversy Over LNG Ports
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amAfter heavy lobbying by the energy industry, the federal government has inserted itself into California’s intensifying debate over proposals to build import terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) along the coast.
Rare Agreement Reached Over Inclusionary Zoning
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amFew housing policies are as inherently controversial as inclusionary zoning — the requirement that market-rate home builders provide a certain percentage (usually 10% to 20%) of their new units for very low-, low- or moderate-income families. Inclusionary zoning is commonly a way that cities and counties propose to meet their fair-share housing requirements.
Lawmakers Threaten to Diminish Eminent Domain Authority
Submitted by importer on 1 September 2005 - 12:00amFallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision permitting use of eminent domain to aid private development continues to rain down on the state Capitol. With two weeks remaining before the Legislature adjourned, it was unclear whether any eminent domain bill would pass this year. However, lawmakers did ensure that no constitutional amendment limiting eminent domain made the November special election ballot.
