There is a grass roots organization called R Neighborhoods are R-1 that has formed in San Pedro, it is 9000 persons strong and growing daily. R Neighborhoods was formed to allow the community members of San Pedro and surrounding Rancho Palos Verdes a voice to oppose any change in zoning to the proposed Ponte Vista project.
Bob Bisno, a developer from outside the area purchased the former navy housing land for $125 million. It was zoned R-1 when he purchased it. Mr. Bisno has been successful getting the zoning changed in other areas for monster developments he has orchistrated. Mr. Bisno has a history of infiltrating communities, hiring those that have been involved in the community in other ways, (his staff consists of many former employees of Mayor Hahn). His agenda now is to have the zoning changed from R-1 to allow him to build 1900 units.
Now I am supportive of development in the area, don't get me wrong. I would love to see the condos down town all sold and businesses come to San Pedro to support them. I would love to see the old Navy housing site developed and have new public space for the community to use, but not at the expense of the major traffic problems that the development will produce.
The city plans to build a new high school on the same land. The new schools will take care of overflow from Narbonne High school.
Already crowded Western Avenue will bear the brunt of at least 3800 new cars as well as traffic to an from the new high school creating new traffic patters through Eastview RPV, Miraleste Drive, PV Drive East and PV Drive South.
Some of the carrots that have been dangled to community members to try to garner support for the zoning change are:
The listing of 1900 units has been "discussed" with several local Realtors. Clearly those Realtors will support the development thinking they stand to gain millions in the process.
A reduction in purchase price to "Harbor residents"-many people have endorsed Mr. Bisnos development in exchange for a promise that they will be able to purchase a unit for a reduced price. I've heard that the President of a local club endorsed the plan in exchange for a free or very low cost unit, (this is unverified at the moment however I will update you with more information.) It's easy to promise a reduction in price, by just leaving the price where it was and increasing the price on other units.
Senior housing. This will just be an area where all residents must be 55 or older, not a special senior housing project.
There was an attempt to exhange support for the developement with the Eastview Little League which did get him many signatures of support, but the ball park deal fell through.
As a community it's important that we act on behalf of the community and not for personal gain. Mr. Bisno is counting on people from San Pedro responding to those dangling carrots. Please stand up and contact R Neighborhoods are R-1 and support low densitity development in our already crowded town.
I also urge you to order your R-1 sign for your yard, bumper sticker for your car or donate time collecting signatures.
Comments(0)