SLO Journal Article 10/04

By Dave Romero

SLO-Town Is Still Paradise

We adopted a Housing Element, thus avoiding State sanctions and once again becoming eligible for state housing grants. This is an important step in providing additional housing for those who work in SLO.

With cooperation from the county and north county communities, we are participating in the Nacimiento Water Project, thus meeting SLO long term water supply needs.

· Streets have continued to be well maintained, traffic accidents have been reduced, traffic congestion has improved, bike lanes and the Bill Roalman Bike Boulevard have been constructed, design is nearly complete on the Prado Rd./101 Overpass and studies have begun for the Los Osos Valley Rd./101 Overpass.

· We secured long term strength of downtown by approving the Court Street Project and supporting the County Government Center on Monterey Street.

One issue divides our city - The Marketplace. In granting approval, the City Council:

1) followed guidelines of our General Plan;

2) followed a specific agreement with the County showing size and shape of the Shopping Center and containing a City promise to "work with the applicant in good faith to process a revised development plan for the Dalidio property";

3) negotiated an agreement with the developer to provide a funding method and construct the Prado Rd./101 Overpass;

4) negotiated an agreement to permanently preserve 79 Acres of open space;

5) negotiated provisions in the Development Agreement to protect Downtown Business.

Those who disagree with this decision have circulated petitions challenging these actions. If these petitions qualify, city voters will decide the fate of this submittal at a special election in the spring. In coming months we will be hearing a great deal from each side.

No matter, being Mayor of our piece of paradise we call SLO-Town is still the best elected position in California.