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06-23-2008, 01:46 PM
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Not a member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Alexandria, VA
148 posts, read 161,122 times
Reputation: 70
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Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz = no development, why?
On my last trip to San Francisco I was shocked how a area with 6 million people could limit development along the coast all the way from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz. You would think the developers would make the necessary campaign contributions and the government would open up that huge area for housing. It is beautiful and I am sure the land would be worth millions.
How have they been able to limit development in so much of San Mateo County?
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06-23-2008, 02:05 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: San Jose, CA
3,934 posts, read 3,216,337 times
Reputation: 601
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Basically by stonewalling it incessantly, and in a manner that is deeply and thoroughly corrupt and opaque. This Wednesday, though, the State Senate will consider a bill to build 129 homes in HMB along the coast - the so-called Beachwood development which it originally denied in 2000.
As for the coastline south of there, I doubt there's much interest. There are a few homes in San Gregorio, but they're so distant to everything. It takes over an hour just to get to western Redwood City. Is it worth it for a freezing beach and easy access to Jones Gulch? I doubt the answer is yes for many people.
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06-23-2008, 02:08 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle area, via Phoenix, San Jose and Orange County
1,073 posts, read 1,044,251 times
Reputation: 262
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Here's hoping that they can continue to preserve and protect the beautiful coastline, for future generations.
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06-23-2008, 02:36 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Seattle area, via Phoenix, San Jose and Orange County
1,073 posts, read 1,044,251 times
Reputation: 262
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Or at least a significant part of it. 
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06-23-2008, 03:06 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Mar 2008
292 posts, read 175,767 times
Reputation: 58
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Even if developers were able to build up in that area, it would be necessary to construct a significant amount of new road infrastructure in order to allow people on the coast to get into the Peninsula in an efficient manner. Highway 92 is already packed during commute hours and I can't imagine many people wanting to drive in to work along the windy roads of Highway 84 on a day-to-day basis. So, unless the county or state would want to fund such a public works project, I can't imagine a lot of people wanting to move to the coast given the existing infrastructure.
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06-23-2008, 03:38 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Six months here, six months there
1,799 posts, read 1,893,796 times
Reputation: 863
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A long time ago California made a policy that the vast majority of coastal waterfront would be publically owned so that everyone would have access. A very smart move on their part and one I hope is never changed.
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06-23-2008, 05:49 PM
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Keeping it real..............
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Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: San Diego, Ca
4,093 posts, read 2,636,747 times
Reputation: 1599
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Since most people like temperatures above 60 degrees and aren't huge fans of wind and fog, the Northern CA coast isn't exactly an ideal location climate wise. It has the scenery and all but the climate sucks. But that's probably a good thing, I like how the Northern CA coast is not developed and somewhat desolate. I wish there were more parts of the Southern CA coast like that.
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06-23-2008, 09:55 PM
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Grand Poobah
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
1,194 posts, read 1,051,428 times
Reputation: 429
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The California Coastal Conservancy does a lot to regulate growth and together with various open space groups and reluctance to change agricultural zoning lock a lot of land up. Lack of access and limited utilities also help prevent growth pretty effectively. Requests to increase the number of lanes on 1 and 92 have been repeatedly shot down for fear of increased development pressure. You practically have to win the lottery to get water hooked up in some parts of the county if you're in an area that doesn't allow a well.
The weather along the coast is wonderful though and if I could afford the land and the commute I would definitely live there.
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06-23-2008, 11:08 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Portlandia "burbs"
2,471 posts, read 1,016,434 times
Reputation: 2314
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelinWA
Here's hoping that they can continue to preserve and protect the beautiful coastline, for future generations.
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I agree. Let's leave some places in their pristine state!
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06-24-2008, 11:29 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Austin, TX
1,174 posts, read 840,913 times
Reputation: 305
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MichaelinWA
Here's hoping that they can continue to preserve and protect the beautiful coastline, for future generations.
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Here here!!! 
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