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Published on 11/24/1999 All articles from this issue

Open space district to annex coast land

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By Leslie K. Martin / Town Crier Staff Writer

The Los Altos-based Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board decided to proceed with the process of annexing land on the San Mateo County coast at its Nov. 10 meeting. The board also considered the ethics and scope of eminent domain, otherwise known as condemnation, and decided against its use.

District spokesman Malcolm Smith said the board can invoke eminent domain if the board determines that all other powers of purchase have been exhausted, and if the land in question is proven to be of public benefit. This latest decision by the board deems that any land acquisitions must come from willing sellers.

The Regional Open Space Web site noted the initial request for district involvement came in the spring of 1997. Councils from Half Moon Bay, Pescadero, and the mid-coast sent resolutions asking the district to explore ways to conserve San Mateo County coast resources.

After a research process that included community information meetings, two public opinion polls, and an advisory election, the district is proposing to annex coastal land from Pacifica to the Santa Cruz County line, and from the district's existing boundary - somewhat west of Skyline Boulevard - to the coastline.

This would add 144,000 acres to the existing 44,000-acre district, expanding it by about 225 square miles.

Smith said that, understandably, "Coastal owners are concerned that we have this power of eminent domain, and how that might affect property rights." The board has decided that along with the annexation, it is vital to preserve existing and active agricultural and ranching industry to retain the rural atmosphere and lifestyle of the coast. Smith said, "We've never had to look at protecting both space and agricultural uses before."

The board is taking the time to research new issues as they arise and expects annexation decisions to take at least another year, Smith said.