Scott Calkins: Measure L is nothing more than a ploy to help Modesto sprawl

Re “If you want better roads, vote ‘yes’ on Measure L” (Page 2D, Oct. 9): Measure L is about land use, contrary to The Bee’s editorial. The editorial does not reflect the well understood connection between new expressway projects and development patterns commonly described as sprawl. Passage of Measure L will unleash an environmentally destructive round of annexation proposals beginning with Modesto’s ambition to pave Wood Colony.

The first project to be funded by Measure L is the Highway 132 bypass, creating a new expressway through District 3 from Highway 99 to Dakota Avenue. Just two years ago, Mayor Garrad Marsh and deputy city manager Brent Sinclair admitted construction of this project provided the motive for Modesto’s proposal to annex thousands of acres of prime farmland.

Voters are being misled by The Bee and others promoting Measure L without any discussion of its impact on land use. Voters will be blindsided later when their approval of the measure is interpreted as consent to build business parks, strip malls, car dealerships, commuter housing or anything the Chamber of Commerce might dream up in their efforts to flip farmland. Statewide developers cynically use safety to market transportation sales taxes to a gullible electorate. Don’t let them fool you. Vote No on L.

This story was originally published October 17, 2016 at 12:45 PM with the headline "Scott Calkins: Measure L is nothing more than a ploy to help Modesto sprawl."