The City Planning process for a zone change is a public process allowing for public review of the file and a public hearing, where neighbors have the right and responsibility to voice their opinions.
The current property owner bought the Red Car Property in 2001. They never got to the public hearing stage with a 2003 development proposal for 75 homes. In the 2003 proposal, the "open space lot" was an unusable slope that would have been behind a 25' tall retaining wall.
In 1995, the neighbors won against a similar zone change proposal, when the planning commission agreed with then CD13 City Councilmember Jackie Goldberg, who spoke on behalf of the community, and denied the zone change.
The development history of the Red Car Property is long and sad when it comes to missed opportunities for park acquisition. The exclusive option the Trust for Public Land held for 2 years on the Red Car Property was not renewed earlier this year. Despite promises of funding from City, County and State sources, it would not be enough to acquire the property. Public funding options for areas like ours are tricky due to the recent run up in real estate prices.
When you look at the history of the Red Car Property, know that history repeats itself and opportunities change. One thing that does not change is the resolve of this neighborhood to fight for open space and against dense development. Don't ever underestimate Red Car Property Neighbors.
Read more:
The Eastsider
Red Car Property Development History
Legacy of Failed Development
2012: Why is the City doing such a good job of brush clearance when the private property is for sale?
Editor's note: I apologize for the late post regarding the zone change application. It is not a crisis, nor is there an immediate deadline. The Eastsider's news did make the rounds of neighborhood email lists. For breaking news, follow us on Twitter: @RedCarProperty
