David vs. Goliath: Part 2

David vs. Goliath: Part 2

The Murrieta city council and it's various commissions have become more like Washington DC: arrogant. disrespectful of its citizens and it often operates with a conflict of interest. Evidence of this became more public at a recent Planning Commission meeting on October 9. The city "reviewed" an application by an out of town developer for a zoning change on a parcel of land and approval of it's application to build a new apartment complex in an area which will trample on the rights of some Murrieta residents.

The city planner had already decided to approve this project before a group of Murrieta residents put forth their concerns which included lighting, noise, proximity to other already established housing units and additional traffic. The "Commission" listened politely and pretended to have an open mind. However, the city planner had already decided that this project WOULD go forward. Indeed, she will add it to her resume of accomplishments during her time in Murrieta. At the end of the meeting, the "Commission" did not even discuss most of the concerns put forward and commented only on the traffic issue. A few questions were asked of the city planner and other city representatives as well. The representatives, apparently from the traffic commission, were asked about the volume of traffic and how many cars a residential street was designed to carry. Their answer: about 3500 to 4500 cars per day. How would you like to have that many cars come past your home every day AND at speeds well over the limit? The representatives made other comments as well. However, in case you have not attended one of these "commission" meetings yourself, the public is not allowed to comment at the end of their meetings. so half-truths as well as untruths were uttered and the attendees could not counter them or correct them.

Want more proof? The city gave its citizens only a few days to review a nearly 1,000 page document and comment.

More proof? The city has denied any responsibility for the traffic problem its citizens are experiencing but said that it is willing to have an "open mind" if only the citizens are able to complete an impossible task!!!

The citizens who put forth their concerns have repeatedly stated that they are willing to work with the city as well as the developer to resolve their concerns. The response from the city: No deal. 

The next meeting is November 13. At that time, the "Commission" will review the results of a traffic study done by a group which has, as it's only purpose, to show that the resident's concerns are irrelevant. The project will be approved by the same city council that has trampled the rights of its citizens by not adhering to past voter initiatives and which operates much as our congress does: with a conflict of interest and an arrogance that says it all. Money talks and everything is irrelevant.