Submitted by Jim Newhall
I’m convinced any RHNA number north of 100 would forever change the quality of life and character of Coronado, and that is totally unacceptable. Coronado must tell SANDAG and the State, in no uncertain terms, that “We do not accept your RHNA number nor it’s methodology.” And “WE” means both the residents and management of Coronado. I have no doubt our residents are adamantly opposed to 1001 new housing units, but from all appearances our Mayor, City Council and City Manager are not. The Mayor’s own words below tell me they have already given up and have no plans to fight this issue:
“Unfortunately, the SANDAG Board refused to make any substantive changes.”
“We are required by the state to update our housing plan within the next 18 months to accommodate the 1,000 units.”
“We could say “no” but we would likely face stiff penalties and development could very well occur anyways.”
“Can we opt out of SANDAG? Probably not, but even if we could, we would still be subject to their decisions.”
“We would lose our seat at the table so it is not advisable.”
“Any new housing built on base is not allowed to be counted toward our housing goals.”
“The majority of the City Council is pushing back on this.”
The City certainly has options, including non-compliance or withdrawing from SANDAG. If it takes a lawsuit to “save” Coronado, start now and get the best damned attorneys you can find. Our $36M would be much better spent fighting forced development than undergrounding power lines.
If Coronado management is not fully committed to fighting this RHNA issue, someone has a conflict of interest and should resign now to make room for others willing to fight for our residents and our City’s future.
Jim Newhall
