Ron Jeske: There is land to develop in Modesto

At its Oct 28 meeting, the Modesto City Council considered conducting an Urban Growth Plan review. I reminded the council that the Urban Residential Limit measure will be on the November, 2015, ballot and noted that nearby farmers are already tearing out fruit orchards to plant nut trees. Councilman Bill Zoslocki decried the planting of so many almond trees and the "attitude" that Modesto is becoming a bedroom community. He said Modesto was the only city forced to plan its growth by a “strange set of rules.” I have heard a member of the Chamber of Commerce complain that he was trying to bring a business to Modesto, but had to take them to Oakdale instead because that was the only place with 40 acres available. In truth, a single parcel of 100 acres exists at Yosemite Boulevard and Claus Road, less than 20 yards outside Modesto’s limits.

We need to plan growth smartly, considering the will of citizens and the reuse of dozens of vacant retail sites that could be providing jobs. Modesto has several large areas that could be developed without jeopardizing prime farmland, especially for intermediate-size companies. Modesto is not a disaster zone. Yes, it could use some help and Councilman Zoslocki is in position to offer it, instead of complaining about what he has helped create.

This story was originally published October 30, 2014 at 5:45 PM with the headline "Ron Jeske: There is land to develop in Modesto."