Category: Development

December 2012

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It was a busy and high profile year for More Mesa.  As is our custom, below are the highlights for the year 2012.

  • Development Proposal for More Mesa Note: As far as MMPC is aware, the sale of More Mesa to a Saudi developer in late 2012 seems to have marked an end to the attempts of the Hawk team to develop More Mesa.  Therefore all material related to this potential development has been removed from the MMPC web site.
  • Oak Group Exhibition
    A much heralded Oak Group exhibit was held at the Faulkner Gallery during the month of October. At the opening reception, on October 5th, almost 200 guests, both lovers of art, and lovers of More Mesa, came together to enjoy the ninety-two paintings on exhibit.  We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the artists who participated, as well as to those volunteers who helped to make the opening reception a stellar event.
  • Winter Birds
    Our winter bird visitors have arrived.  This year, we already have at least one male Northern Harrier, one female Harrier, and two juveniles as well.  And, not seen since 2007, we have an extremely visible and active Short-eared Owl!

As always … thank you all for your wonderful support, and for loving this very special place. Our warmest holiday wishes.

August 2012

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More Changes on Our MMPC Web Site
Note: As far as MMPC is aware, the sale of More Mesa to a Saudi developer in late 2012 seems to have marked an end to the attempts of the Hawk team to develop More Mesa.  Therefore all material related to this potential development has been removed from the MMPC web site.

Sunset

July 2012

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Change on our MMPC Web Site
Note: As far as MMPC is aware, the sale of More Mesa to a Saudi developer in late 2012 seems to have marked an end to the attempts of the Hawk team to develop More Mesa.  Therefore all material related to this potential development has been removed from the MMPC web site.

Cooper's HawkWTK
Young raptors (Cooper’s Hawk, White-tailed Kite) seen on More Mesa, July 1, 2012

November 2004

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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

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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.]