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Thursday, September 13, 2012
Photo: Keep Fort Ord Wild
FORA, or the Fort Ord Reuse Authority, is staying in the news. That may not be good news for FORA. The Monterey County Herald recently printed an editorial that pretty much makes that point. Here’s what The Herald said:
“FORA leadership wants to keep the organization intact. While hoping for a 10-year extension of its empowering legislation, which is on the verge of lapsing, [FORA] managed to win legislative approval for just six more years and is now awaiting word on whether the governor will approve or veto that plan.
“[Consideration of the legislation] has focused community attention on the tedious pace of Fort Ord redevelopment. Meanwhile, litigation over public records has produced a series of embarrassments for the authority. Considering all that, it would seem safe to presume that FORA’s leadership is following all appropriate rules to the letter and is listening to input from everyone. In other words, that it is on its best behavior.”
Listeners might want to read the entire editorial. The Herald concludes that FORA continues to evidence bad behavior, most recently by unfairly shutting down comments from Monterey County Supervisor Jane Parker.
In Monterey County, the future development of the former Fort Ord is probably the County’s biggest outstanding planning issue (with the exception of water supply issues). I urge Monterey County residents to get involved.
More Information:
Monterey County Herald Editorial
AB 1614 – Legislation Extending FORA
LandWatch Monterey County Fort Ord Issues and Actions
News Article on Special Meeting of Seaside City Council on FORA Lands
Former Santa Cruz County Supervisor Gary Patton talks about land use, and land use decisions, with an emphasis on public participation and how the land use process works.