GUEST OPINION: There's nothing green about Measure A; Vote no

The proponents of Measure A and their hired gun “environmentalist,” Patrick Moore, are deceiving the public about the potential impacts of Measure A.

Careful evaluation of Moore and the proposed development demonstrate that Measure A is anything but “green.”

Moore said in his Close to Home opinion piece (“Measure A should be approved by voters,” Friday) that he was a co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace and an environmental expert. However, a quick examination of his history paints a different picture.

An Oct. 10, 2008 press release from Greenpeace states, “Patrick Moore often misrepresents himself in the media as an environmental ‘expert’ or even an ‘environmentalist,’ while offering anti-environmental opinions on a wide range of issues and taking a distinctly anti-environmental stance. He also exploits long-gone ties with Greenpeace to sell himself as a speaker and pro-corporate spokesperson. Patrick Moore promotes such anti-environmental positions as clear-cut logging, nuclear power, farmed salmon, PVC (vinyl) production, genetically engineered crops, and mining.”

Given this dubious track record, we should take a serious look at the claims made by Moore about Measure A.

Moore’s first claim is that the development proposed by Measure A will have to comply with all environmental review. This is false. Measure A would enact a specific plan for the former Masonite site. Page B-228 of the plan states, “The submittal of proposals to a vote of the people of the state or of a particular community that does not involve a public agency initiative is not defined as a ‘project.’ Consequently, this specific plan is not classified as a ‘project’ by state law and is exempt from the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) process.” Therefore, no comprehensive environmental impact report and a piecemeal review at best.

Moore’s second claim is that Developers Diversified Realty, the project’s proponents, will clean up toxic materials from the former Masonite site. Actually, the remediation process began before DDR purchased the site and will continue regardless of the outcome of Measure A. In fact, local residents have been urging the California Department of Toxic Substance Control to assume oversight of the site to ensure that a thorough remediation plan is carried out.

During public hearings, DDR representatives argued against the toxic control department getting involved because it would slow down their development plans.

Moore’s third claim is that the DDR development will reduce our carbon footprint. It’s true that fewer cars driving to Santa Rosa would reduce emissions; however his argument is flawed because it ignores the fact that there are currently 95 acres of land zoned for this type of development in the Ukiah Valley. We don’t need to rezone the former Masonite site to reduce vehicle traffic.

Additionally, DDR’s development is entirely automobile dependant and would result in 14 million new car trips per year, creating gridlock traffic and increased air pollution locally.

Moore’s final claim is that the project will utilize green building and solar power. While their renderings used in an attempt to sell the public on this project included such amenities, there is no guarantee that actual construction will include any of these bells and whistles. The development plan states repeatedly, “The exhibits shown are conceptual and do not reflect what may actually be constructed on the site. Actual development of the site is subject to change based on market and regional demands.” That translates into, “We’ll build what we want, depending on what’s most profitable.”

Measure A creates a specific plan for the former Masonite site that exempts it from any local control, and we the people of Mendocino County will be stuck with the mess.

It appears the only thing green about Measure A is the money DDR has spent to try to fool voters into accepting it. Vote No on Measure A.

Clifford Paulin is an environmental attorney and member of the No On A Steering Committee. He lives in Ukiah.