November 2004

Posted on | by MMPC

Hacienda Vieja Project

MORE MESA PRESERVATION COALITION FILES APPEAL:

As reported in last month’s news, the Planning Commission approved a redesigned Hacienda Vieja Project with two of the four houses having two-stories. Because of our avowed commitment to protect all of More Mesa, including impacts to it from the periphery, we felt it necessary to appeal this decision to the Board of Supervisors. As soon as we are informed as to the date this matter will come before the Board, we will let you know how you can help. Below are excerpts from our appeal.

The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) regrets the necessity of appealing Planning Commission approval of the above referenced Hacienda Vieja development, but feels compelled to bring this matter to the Board of Supervisors. The community is extremely troubled about:

  • Apparent reversal of long term precedents concerning More Mesa
  • Impacts of the Hacienda Vieja project
  • Cumulative negative impacts of recent development approvals on More Mesa’s natural resources and scenic beauty.

The MMPC, and the community at large, are concerned that recent approvals do not respect and protect the unique resources of More Mesa and also depart from clear direction for project design set by several Planning Commissions and Boards over the last 15 years. In particular, MMPC, and we believe the community in general, are deeply distressed about the continued trend toward approval of large two story houses. These structures severely impact views from More Mesa’s trail system.

Although the MMPC appreciates the design changes directed by the Planning Commission for this project, we believe that the project, as approved, will still have severe negative impact on More Mesa. Specifically, it permits development that is inconsistent with the neighborhood, out of character with the natural surroundings and continues the negative cumulative trend toward large obtrusive two story structures. If this trend is continued, the natural beauty of this area will be forever marred.

To address these issues, we respectfully request that the Board direct the project developer to redesign the project as all one story units, and designed to blend into the natural environment and the surrounding community. This action would adhere to precedent very clearly laid down by County decision-makers over the last decade and a half.

Usage Survey
Many thanks to the dozens of people who have already completed our usage survey. We encourage all lovers of More Mesa to do the same. [The survey may be submitted on-line by visiting the home page of this web site, and clicking on the “Usage Survey” link.] Thanks again!

October 2004

Posted on | by MMPC

Third Update on Hacienda Vieja Project

Project approved by the Planning Commission: Several modifications to the Hacienda Vieja Project were offered by the developer at the 6 October meeting of the Planning Commission. These included redesigning two of the houses to one story, and reducing elevations and size. Two other issues were introduced as well. The first would insure that the wetland is maintained and monitored permanently. In addition, a covenant is being prepared that will ensure that a single, one story house is all that will be allowed on a second parcel that is part of this application. While many positive steps were taken, the approval of this application increases the number of two story houses allowed on the edge of More Mesa to a total of six … double the number we had six months ago! MMPC remains firmly committed to the position that there should be no additional two-story structures abutting More Mesa and that the size of one story houses should be consistent with other developments in the neighborhood of More Mesa.

Kites
Baby Kites: We are extremely happy to report that the four pairs of kites that nested on More Mesa, or on the periphery, have fledged a total of ten chicks this season – seven in the spring and three in the summer. The last of the fledglings are now out on More Mesa, hunting and roosting. The picture to the right was taken of one of the chicks just before it flew for the first time on August 25th. A couple of days later, it was flying quite well in the image below.

Usage Survey
Usage Survey Launched: As reported last month, a usage survey has been hosted on this site. We have received several completed surveys, and encourage all users of More Mesa to help us collect the data we need to have credible statistics on the ways in which our community enjoys this lovely place. [The survey can be found here.]

September 2004

Posted on | by MMPC

Second Update on Hacienda Vieja Project

No changes were offered by the developer at the 25 August meeting of the Planning Commission. After another two hour session, the Commission reiterated the ideas expressed at the last meeting and gave additional, and even more specific, direction for changes they feel are necessary. These included redesigning at least two houses from two story to one story, and reducing the size bulk and scale of all four structures. The project and will be heard again by the Commission on the 6th of October.

To reiterate our position …MMPC believes that in order to protect both the environment, as well as the esthetic qualities of More Mesa:

  • No additional two-story structures abutting More Mesa should be permitted
  • The size of one story houses should be consistent with other developments in the neighborhood, and certainly no larger than Las Brisas (3610 square feet maximum).

For additional information on the current status of the Hacienda Vieja project, or suggestions about how you can help minimize impact on More Mesa, contact us via the Contact Page.

Usage Survery
Many of us are acutely aware of how very important More Mesa is to our community. However, in order to send the most powerful messages about how much we care, we need statistics, based on actual data. The usage study being launched this month will accomplish this end.

There will be at least three ways to be part of the survey:

  • Complete forms provided by volunteers periodically stationed at the Mockingbird entrance to More Mesa
  • Complete and mail in forms to be provided in our next mailing (within 2-3 months).
  • [The easiest way … complete the form online by clicking here and send it electronically].

Thanks for taking the time to complete this very important survey!

August 2004

Posted on | by MMPC

Update on Hacienda Vieja Project

Developer has been asked to modify the project: At a meeting of the Planning Commission on 28 July, the Planning Commission asked some extremely pertinent and important questions concerning the Hacienda Vieja project. After more than two hours of comment and deliberation, they voted to continue discussions on the project. The applicant was asked to come back to the Commission with alternatives to the four unit development; specifically, fewer, smaller units and a design that would be less visible from More Mesa. As part of considerations of public views, one of the commissioners suggested that the second stories be eliminated. The project will be heard again by the Commission on the 25th of August.

To reiterate our position …

MMPC believes that, in order to protect both the environment, as well as the aesthetic qualities of More Mesa:

  • No additional two-story structures abutting More Mesa should be permitted
  • The size of one story houses should be consistent with other developments in the neighborhood, and certainly no larger than Las Brisas (3610 square feet maximum).

For additional information on the current status of the Hacienda Vieja project, or suggestions about how you can help minimize impact on More Mesa, please contact us via the Contact Page.

“More Mesa Friendly Plants” for Your Garden
Last month we introduced a section on invasive plants. This month we present the “flip” side of invasive plants; a section for those interested in using native plants in the garden.

The research for this section was prompted by inquiries from homeowners who live on the periphery of More Mesa. They asked that we suggest plantings that would be consistent with the environmentally sensitive nature of the area. The information on planting natives, which can be found starting from this page, as well as information on invasive plants at this page, was compiled by our webmaster, Lynn Watson.

July 2004

Posted on | by MMPC

Building on the Periphery of More Mesa

MMPC is deeply concerned about a distressing and dangerous precedent in the making. 

Major environmental impact is being felt on More Mesa from development on its periphery. Two large and elaborate, double-story houses have already been permitted off Mockingbird Lane (northeast corner of More Mesa). The permitting of these houses disregarded more than two decades of precedence concerning the size and height of structures built on the edge of More Mesa. Construction of these, and the eight others in the adjacent Las Brisas project are affecting both wildlife and the magnificent views looking north. That is, there is already significant cumulative impact from the additional ten structures, in construction, or planned. Photos of the construction can be seen here.

Now a new project, Hacienda Vieja, proposes four additional, two story structures … 4000 square feet, and much larger than any previous development in the neighborhood. These four buildings, currently under consideration by the Planning Commission, will be located immediately north of a wetland abutting More Mesa, and a particularly important grove of trees used for hawk roosting and nesting.

MMPC believes that, in order to protect both the environment, as well as the aesthetic qualities of More Mesa:

No additional two-story structures abutting More Mesa should be permitted
The size of one story houses should be consistent with other developments in the neighborhood, and certainly no larger than Las Brisas (3610 square feet maximum).

Therefore, in keeping with the above, the position of the MMPC is that structures in the Hacienda Vieja project should be only one-story high, as well as reduced in size and number. In addition, we believe that the wetland and associated trees should be placed under the protection of a third party; a land trust or other organization, who will be responsible for maintaining this wildlife habitat.

For additional information on the current status of the Hacienda Vieja project, or suggestions about how you can help minimize impact on More Mesa, contact us via the Contact Page.

Invasive Plants
The California legislature has proclaimed July 19-25, 2004 as Invasive Weeds Awareness Week in California. Under the Restoration Section in the More Mesa web site, there is a new menu option “Invasive Plants“. This consists of a list of common invasive plants found on the central coast. Those that are or have been sold in nurseries for landscaping are marked “Used in landscaping”. Invasive plants known to be on More Mesa, are marked as “Present on More Mesa”. This list will be updated as missing pictures become available or when other plants need to be added.