The board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is expected to vote Wednesday to place a $300 million bond measure on the June ballot.
The district says the money would be spent on projects to expand public access; protect redwood forests; manage land that feeds lakes, streams and waterways; preserve agriculture along the San Mateo Coast; and restore native vegetation.
The increase in the property tax rate would not exceed $3.18 per $100,000 of assessed valuation, the district says. Passage would require approval by two-thirds of the voters in the district, which includes large parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a portion of unincorporated Santa Cruz County.
The regular board meeting starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the administrative office at 330 Distel Circle in Los Altos.
Among the cities in the district are Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside and Menlo Park.
Click here for more information from the district’s website.
With over 75% of the Bay Area already protected or in areas of little or no development (see:http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_20685004/bay-area-open-space-more-it-is-being) I don’t believe we need more funding to purchase even more land at taxpayer expense. There are plenty of wealthy environmental-types in the Bay Area. If they want to purchase even more land for so-called “open-space” let them do it. Just don’t tax me in addition to what I already pay for the privelege. Enough is enough!!
The protected areas are all west of I-280 or along the shoreline, which is too earthquake-prone, flood prone, or lacking in water sources for more homes anyway. We are glad that taxpayers are keeping these areas safe from pollution and industrial use.
We are voting yes on this project to provide more public access. Fixing the Bay Trail along the shoreline will both give kids a better way to study/enjoy the bay and give commuters safe ways to reach their jobs at Facebook and Google without driving private cars.
Important fact that the article fails to mention: this is $300 million for 40 years worth of projects. This is a very small amount compared to other things our tax dollars pay for (like highways).