Thu 22 May 2008
Commentary: New Frank Ferry Video is a regurgitation of past efforts; Still Funny, still lopsided
Posted by admin under City of Santa Clarita , Dave Bossert , Development [3] Comments
I have to say that I do find these videos quite funny but at the same time can’t take them too seriously. These are being made by someone who clearly does not want to see any expansion in SCV. Not a Ferry Fan, the creator of the videos, is one of the “now that I’m here there should be no more building†crowd which is hypocritical, not practical, nor achievable.
You can view it here: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=AY-6nKJkWS8Â
So, to that end the video has to be taken with a grain of salt but it is still funny to see Frank in action at the titular City Council meetings. The fact is that development in SCV is being done in a responsible manner for the most part. Having first moved into SCV nearly 30 years ago I think there have been some wonderful developments completed over the years. Just drive down The Old Road between McBean and Valencia Blvd. through the 150 acre Oak preserve and you’ll see what I mean.
The big problem, though, is that the City of Santa Clarita management has its head up its collective ass in dealing with the growth of the area. They have not anticipated changing traffic patterns which has lead to messes like the intersection at Bouquet Canyon and Valencia Blvd.
The folks in City Hall are too busy with self-congratulatory back slapping and ass-kissing to actually have any kind of vision for the valley that is comprehensive and respectful of all the residents. The so-called City management has been clueless to the simple concept “inclusion†or “building a consensus.â€
Once more residents start to see what is truly going on at City Hall, they are going to want change; the big buzz word of 2008 politics. The change needed locally is that of actually formulating a real vision for the Santa Clarita Valley that takes into account all its residents, both in and out of the City, not just a handful of arrogant individuals that continue to make one bad decision after another. Just look at downtown Newhall; what’s that the third “plan†being implemented? The city has done a great job of killing the Newhall business district on San Fernando!
The chorus of critics, like Not a Ferry Fan, will continue to grow and there will be ever increasing pressure and antics heaped onto the City Council. Watch for lengthier Council meetings as more City residents start to see what is truly going on; the complete lack of regard for and the bullying of City residents. This certainly is not what the City founders envision back in 1987 when the City of Santa Clarita was incorporated.
Dave Bossert                                                                                                                                      Commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:39 am
I just recently discovered your website and have enjoyed reading its differing opinions and views. I must, however, make one observation: there is a difference between being against growth once you have moved here, and being a 20-30 year neighborhood resident who is suddenly being told that his “residential low zone” area is going to be changed so that a Beverly Hills developer can rake in millions of dollars. In the case of the G&L/HMNMH medical office building expansion on McBean, a dense, mega-medical complex was not in the “general plan” when folks moved there. Because there is so little developable land, infill and neighborhood preservation are two more “buzz” words to add to our valley’s lexicon. No one that I know, who is protesting the G&L expansion, has ever been against HOSPITAL expansion, but it must be pointed out that over the 3-year life of the project proposal, a hospital has never been guaranteed in the construction. By the way, did you know that there is an extra “e” in your “Development” headline?
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Most of the people who spoke at the last city council meeting support responsible growth. What we don’t support is growth that does not even remotely conform to the General Plan. We don’t support a city council that demeans us when we speak about our valid concerns, and we don’t support the unfair advantages lobbyists have as they sell out this city for the almighty dollar with their “what’s in it for me” attitudes.
We want a hospital expansion in writing, and we want that clause removed that releases G&L Realty from even building a hospital expansion. If G&L intended to actually build an expansion, why would they object to the removal of their “escape clause?”
Why should our city even take a project like The Avenues seriously when the city council voted unanimously to oppose Las Lomas? Any project that is turned into the city that exceeds the Las Lomas project in size and scope should be shoved right back at the developer and the plans should be stamped with a “GET REAL!” on the front cover.
Once beautiful, quiet residential neighborhoods have turned into war zones with thousands of vehicles daily turning residential streets into freeways when cul-de-sacs are opened for new developments that use these streets as shortcuts because developers don’t want the cost of putting in alternative roads that will protect existing neighborhoods. Why is it so outrageous for residents to seek help from their city council when neighborhoods are turned into living nightmares, and property values plummet? Bet such problems would never be tolerated in Sand Canyon!
Now the General Plan is being revised with no community input, and when it is finally circulated, we will each have MAYBE 3 minutes to take our concerns before a city council that has already told us our concerns are not their problem, and the public comment portion will probably be limited to 30 minutes so all our voices will not be heard. And we will, of course, recveive the customary “proper” scolding for having the gall to take up their valuable time with our concerns.
And where does that leave us. With a city that is fast becoming what many of us worked so hard to prevent when we broke away from L.A. County in 1997. We will never have the infrastructure to support massive urbanization, and all we want is RESPONSIBLE growth and a city governemnt that is for the people, not against us. We are NOT no-growth, and our concerns and suggestions should be met with……CONCERN AND RESPECT. And that is not happening.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your comments and for pointing out the extra “e†in development. I think it may be time to re-run Dave’s commentary titled “I’m an awful speller!â€
-WRB