Historians may never erect a monument on Hueneme Road, but the situation there needs to be viewed from a historian’s perspective.
It is a classic battle. Two powers are struggling to control a parcel of land. Laing Homes wants to build houses, the Harbor District wants to park cars, and the people are being sucked in to taking sides.
While this is going on, the character of our city is being attacked one developer at a time. Boxes with false porches on the front are finding their way into every open space in our city. They look more like storage containers for people than houses. These single-family dwellings are being crammed in at a density approaching twice that of existing homes. It is called in-filling. It is more like in-gorging.
Zoning rules that were adopted to protect neighborhoods are being selectively amended to serve the profit of developers. When neighbors object, they are characterized as impeding progress. Every new development is seen as an opportunity to increase the tax base. New revenues are pursued as if it were a religious quest — more is always better. The outgoes that come with the incomes get downplayed.
Where could all of this go? The City of Port Hueneme has eminent domain powers too. What happens if it becomes profitable to tear down an existing home and build two on the lot?
If the people don't get more involved in these larger threats to our city, what happens on Hueneme Road will not even merit a mention in the history books.
— Ted Waddell, Port Hueneme
Re. Ted Waddell letter: Thank you Ted for pointing the need for Port Hueneme citizens to get involved in what is going on in their own backyards, and for scrutinizing the means by which brazen deals are proposed and carried out. And shame on the city staff and council members who chide neighbors for "impeding progress." To vilify the citizens is a very cheap shot to ensure that their plans go unimpeded and uncontested. Thanks Mr. Waddell for doing your part and hosting a community website ( www.phtalk.com) for your neighbors to present their views.
Re. Ted Waddell letter: Thank you Ted for pointing the need for Port Hueneme citizens to get involved in what is going on in their own backyards, and for scrutinizing the means by which brazen deals are proposed and carried out. And shame on the city staff and council members who chide neighbors for "impeding progress." To vilify the citizens is a very cheap shot to ensure that their plans go unimpeded and uncontested. Thanks Mr. Waddell for doing your part and hosting a community website ( www.phtalk.com) for your neighbors to present their views.
A higher energy price is a sacrifice we have to make for cleaner fuels