Development advisory measures a mixed bag

Home building has screeched to a halt in Modesto in the last couple of years. Building permit numbers illustrate it vividly: Four years ago, 839 new home permits were issued. So far this year, 19 permits have gone out.

This slowdown provides a good time to plan for growth, and city leaders have been doing that, with a focus not so much on adding more houses but on making more land available for business parks and commercial uses.

Their suggestions appear on the Nov. 3 ballot in the form of five advisory votes to extend city sewer service. The first four -- Measures A through D -- were recommended by the City Council's Economic Development Committee after months of reviewing the land inventory and growth patterns. The fifth, Measure E, was put on the ballot by the council on a divided vote.

Modesto has had advisory votes on growth since 1979. Fourteen measures have been put forward; voters approved nine. The council has overridden a couple of no votes but generally follows the voters' sentiment.

We believe the process, though not perfect, has valuable elements:

— Before putting anything on the ballot, the council requires an Urban Growth Review, which looks at growth patterns and how much land is available in various zoning categories. In 2005 and 2007 and in spite of pressure from some developers, the council did not advance any sewer extension proposals because the city needed to figure out how to build -- and pay for -- updated water and sewer systems. Those massive investments are under way.

— Some people mischaracterize Modesto as an example of urban sprawl. In fact, Modesto's population density -- residents per acre -- is high compared with many communities and its growth rate is relatively low, especially compared with places like Patterson. That argues that these advisory votes have had the intended effect of slowing growth.

— These advisory votes usually generate some healthy public discussion about the pros and cons of growth.

This year, we're sad to say, there hasn't been much discussion. The most visible campaign is that by Measure E proponents, and their slogan "Support Community Planning" is misleading. Measure E doesn't alter the overall planning process or philosophy; it's merely about adding a large area for more houses.

Unfortunately, voters won't find much useful information in the sample ballots. The impartial analyses by the city attorney's office are boilerplate, providing acreage and location but not much else. Pro arguments were only submitted on three of the five measures, and the con arguments, submitted by leaders of the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association, use essentially the same arguments for all.

Bee reporter Garth Stapley provided a much more thorough look at the choices in his package in last Sunday's Bee. It's available at www.modbee.com/elections.

We also urge voters to look at the 2009 Urban Growth Review document, which is 49 pages, including maps and charts. It's available on the city Web site, www.modestogov.com.

Some voters may be tempted to vote all "yes" or "no" on these measures, but we believe there are important differences. Our recommendations:

Measure A

This is the largest area, more than 1,310 acres on both sides of Kiernan Avenue between McHenry and Stoddard avenues. Early on, we were concerned that developing this area could lead to urbanization far north of Kiernan, on prime, producing farmland. But as proposed, the area falls within Modesto's general plan boundary.