Online letters to the editor | Sunday, July 19, 2020: Modesto strains ethics to gobble Wood Colony
No way to conduct public business
Watching the political maneuverings taking place regarding the proposed annexation of the Wood Colony area to Modesto, the biggest issue is the manner in which the planning process is developing. The apparent stealth, with limited public involvement, being used by Mayor Brandvold and the city to get this matter quickly to the ballot is despicable. Using the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse for this process is further demonstration of an unethical way to handle an issue that impacts many persons who will not even be able to vote on the issue.
It is a reasonable question, considering the depth of differences that have been involved with this development consideration, to ask what is in it for Mayor Brandvold and the City Council. The Bee has raised questions to suggest that poor management practices have been demonstrated by Modesto leadership in the past. It appears that such questions will continue.
The fact that this push on such a treasured area has the appearance of being manipulated by the pandemic leaves many to assume that this affair is akin to destroying statues. The history of Wood Colony is apparently not as important as development money.
I encourage Mayor Brandvold and the City Council to consider what they want to leave as their legacy of leadership.
Gary Gervase, Modesto
Preserving prime farm soil
We are asking our City Council to please vote “no;” do not proceed with this urban limit line as it will not preserve farmland and only serve to seed unnecessary urban development into prime farmland soils, interrupting and eroding farming activities west of the 99 freeway where the Wood Colony farming community exists. Please focus on developing inner-city projects, vacant storefronts and grow to the east where less fertile soils exist.
Development into Wood Colony does not serve Modesto and only gives developers and a few landowners exorbitant profits without regard to the irreversible aftermath of a destroyed farming community. I do not want this on our ballot in November and hope you are able to relay the messages you are receiving from other voters such as myself in our community.
KarRen Davidson, Modesto
Be honest and transparent
Though many Wood Colony residents may not like the idea of losing their beloved homes and land, I believe it would be less of a blow if it was handled openly, honestly and fairly so that the residents knew the true feeling of the majority. Though one of our neighbors says those of us who only own a home need not be heard from, I believe he is a minority out here. I believe we would all like to know where everyone stands on the matter so as to better make a determination on how to proceed. If we are all making decisions based on untruths, hearsay, complete lack of information, many of us could truly experience huge deficits to our way of life out here as well as property values that we were not prepared for.
All we are asking for is that the issue be handled honestly and transparently. We as citizens of Modesto should all demand and expect that of our mayor as well as all our leaders.
Debbie Phillips, Modesto
Abusing the public trust
The argument that expanding the urban limit line will benefit the economy of Modesto is a cover-up to the real motive of a few major landholders in Wood Colony to sell their properties under more financially advantageous zoning. They claim it will bring jobs to the area along the 99 corridor. Why then does the proposal extend west of 99 and speak to expansion for high density, low and very low-income housing at 14 units per acre? Who is going to pay the costs of unfunded infrastructure, loss of agricultural capacity, impact on the environment, on road maintenance from increased traffic, on fire and police protection, on water consumption? We all will — in higher taxes.
The process has manipulated the pandemic to minimize public notice and engagement. The resolution purports to “foster and protect the surrounding rural character,” but it would wipe out over 1,000 acres of productive agriculture, a source of jobs and food we eat to survive. It is an abuse of the public trust. It isn’t hard to find real estate within Modesto’s current limit that would benefit from the council’s attention for the redevelopment and economic health of the community.
Linda Brughelli, Modesto
Our farmland is precious
As I was viewing my Instagram, a friend wrote, “Good morning Modesto, I love you with all my heart.” It caught my attention, as that is what we ultimately are all working toward — preserving Modesto.
As a Wood Colony resident we want to preserve our heritage and rich farmland. I feel as if I am an unbiased member, as I am not a farmer and I do not own land. I will not profit or lose value in my property. But all of us, including the city of Modesto, will lose unless we say no to the urban limit line. Not only does Modesto benefit from the crops, so does a large portion of the United States and world.
We ask that the City Council members use the responsibility given to them and keep Modesto strong by keeping our farming land as that: a farm. Adding more people with less farm land doesn’t even make sense.
Amy Bauman, Modesto
We are the breadbasket
As a resident of Wood Colony I oppose the urban limit line. It will take away productive farm land that supplies food products to California, the United States and even the world.
This isn’t the time to rush through decisions that will affect generations to come. The virus has limited public discussions with Wood Colony residents and others. Many businesses in Modesto are closing, causing empty buildings that could be renovated for industries. The financial situation is uncertain. There is more to life than greed and profit.
Pat Roesel, Modesto
Leave Wood Colony alone
Please set the urban limit line on the east side of Highway 99. Those of us who live in Wood Colony do not want to be in the city of Modesto.
There are a lot of vacant buildings and property on the east side of 99. There is also a lot of land out the Kiernan Avenue corridor or Highway 219 out to the east. The infrastructure is in place for that expansion, along with 99 off- and on-ramps.
Because Wood Colony people do not get to vote on city of Modesto issues, this is how we vote, by letting you know we do not want to be part of Modesto. Spend the money and effort on the east side of 99.
Roger Green, Modesto
Why not develop Kiernan?
Regarding Wood Colony and rezoning, I understand farmers wanting to sell and get a return on all their years of hard work. It keeps getting brought up about industry going in down Murphy Road. What is happening with Kiernan? It’s a straight shot with stop lights on four lanes all the way to 99. Why in the world would you spend years tearing up the west side of 99 when Kiernan and Pelandale are there waiting for you? Pelandale for housing, Kiernan for industry.
Since I moved to Modesto in 1972, this has been a battle for Salida to not get annexed and for Modesto to do better planning. For once, Modesto and Stanislaus County, do your research and utilize what is already available.
Cynthia Overholtzer, Modesto