Editorial: Martinez voters should protect ridgeline from development

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In the event you don’t need us to construct properties on this scenic land, then purchase it. We’ve heard that chorus numerous instances from builders — typically with justification.

Now Martinez voters within the June 7 election have an opportunity to let their metropolis do precisely that — purchase the land. They need to seize the one-time alternative.

They need to vote for Measure F, which might levy a $79 annual parcel tax over the subsequent 30 years so Martinez can purchase property alongside the town’s tallest ridgeline for preservation as open area.

Measure F on the June 7, 2022, poll would levy a $79 annual parcel tax over the subsequent 30 years so Martinez can purchase Alhambra Highlands, 297 acres alongside the town’s tallest ridgeline, for preservation as open area. (Courtesy of Save Alhambra Hills Open Area)

The cash would buy the 297-acre Alhambra Highlands website within the south a part of the town between Reliez Valley Street and Alhambra Avenue. The deal would defend the land for leisure use and head off plans for improvement.

Richfield Actual Property Corp. has permits that enable it to construct 109 single-family properties there. It has agreed to promote the property to the town for $19.25 million. But when voters reject Measure F, Richfield plans to develop the land.

The Measure F tax can be $79 yearly for single-family properties. For multi-family parcels, the payment would vary from $160 to $5,500, relying on the variety of models. The speed for non-residential parcels would vary from $150 to $600, relying on lot dimension.

The tax is anticipated to usher in $1.2 million yearly. The town plans to borrow cash, by issuing bonds, to cowl the acquisition worth and transaction prices. After making the annual funds on that debt, the town estimates it should have about $146,000 left every year.

It’s not clear whether or not that can be sufficient to keep up the land and finally function it as parkland. The one troubling a part of this deal is that the town hasn’t discovered how a lot it should want for that.

These prices ought to have been addressed earlier than the poll measure was delivered to the Metropolis Council. If Measure F passes, the town and East Bay Regional Park District ought to work out a deal to make sure the land stays publicly accessible.

In the meantime, it is a one-time alternative to guard this lovely property from improvement. Voters shouldn’t let it slip by. They need to approve Measure F.