Your vote will decide if we Save Farmland or Pave Farmland in Merced County.
This is an important time in our history. It is time to better manage our growth so sprawling development doesn’t pave over our productive farmland, deplete our property values and devastate our local economy. It is time to preserve a farming heritage that provides 35% of the jobs in Merced County.
“Yes on C” preserves farmland and open space by directing housing into cities. If residential development is proposed outside city limits, then it provides for direct citizen oversight – a majority vote – whenever county government plans to re-zone agricultural or open-space land for housing subdivisions. It’s really that simple.
Our cities are the best option to deliver services and provide infrastructure at a lower cost to taxpayers. Our cities already have thousands of acres planned for housing …when the day comes that we need it. Residential development outside city limits costs county taxpayers for infrastructure and services, double-taxing city residents for both city and county services.
“Yes on C” changes no zoning laws, changes no property rights, and has no impact on development inside cities or on farm housing. It doesn’t alter a city’s ability to annex new land. It affects no commercial or industrial zoning. It makes certain that our elected officials and planners meet the expectations of citizens and taxpayers without the undue influence of outside developers and lobbyists.
By directing housing into cities, we can revitalize our urban areas with smart economic growth that will also preserve farmland for our #1 economy: agriculture. Let’s stop unchecked urban sprawl. Let’s ensure we have sustainable growth, with real economic development, and well-designed, welcoming communities that offer a promising future for generations to come.
“Yes on C”. It’s really that simple.
Signed,
Les McCabe – Clerk, Merced College Board of Trustees
Bob Giampoli – Farmer, Le Grand
John Carlisle – Council Member, City of Merced
Bill Stockard – Retired Superintendent, Merced County Office of Education
Irene De La Cruz – Publisher of Between Friends/Entre Amigos, Planada
