This time, the scene of the anti-development ire is Santa Monica, where local advocates have qualified for the November ballot on initiative requiring a vote for any project building beyond the zoning code.
"The so-called 'Land Use Voter Empowerment' (L.U.V.E.) initiative, which would require a vote on nearly every new building over two stories, has qualified to be on the November ballot," reports Jason Islas.
A "no-growth group" known as Residocracy backs the initiative, though Islas reports that some of the group's political support on the Santa Monica City Council has already eroded. Islas quotes Councilmember Kevin McKeown to describe the political opposition to the ballot initiative: namely, that the ballot measure will suppress development and increase the amount of money developers spend on local elections. Jenna Chandler provides additional perspective on the story for Curbed LA.
The LUVE initiative echoes similar anti-development sentiment at work with the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, proposed for Santa Monica's next-door neighbor in Los Angeles.
FULL STORY: NO-GROWTH “L.U.V.E.” INITIATIVE QUALIFIES FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT
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The so-called LUVE initiative, which would have required a public vote on any development exceeding 32 feet or two stories, was rejected by over 56 percent of voters. Opponents significantly outspent supporters who failed to get council support.
The Problem With Tone Policing
One common criticism of pro-housing advocacy is that supporters of new housing are (in the words of one commentator) “arrogant.” But there is no reason to believe that this is any less true of their opponents.
Colorado Erases Local Growth Limits
Colorado legislators passed a law earlier this year that preempts local limits on the number of building permits issued every year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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