What is Measure V (aka Majority Vote Amendment)?

Targets Cargill Saltflats

If you are not familiar with Measure V, here is a quick summary: This amendment only concerns the Cargill lands’ use and development. Measure V locks the current zoning and general plan designation for Cargill saltflats in place. Should Cargill wish to change land use and zoning on this property, it would require a majority vote (50% + 1) to pass. Measure V does not affect other private lands like Docktown, the 7 residential properties next to Red Morton Park, the privately owned docks and decks at Redwood Shores (an impact shared by 565 properties), other properties shown on the impact list, and the passing of the General Plan.

Simple Open Space Vote

The Cargill Saltflats property offers tremendous potential for Redwood City. Measure V trusts the voters via a democratic vote, to select an open space future for these properties. The voters have decided the fate of two major projects east of 101, voting down each with a simple majority vote. This means that no 'super majority' was needed to have the voters voice heard.

Limits Collateral Damage

Since Measure V only targets the Cargill Saltflats, the scope of its impact is limited to just Cargill. This removes the non-Cargill collateral damage out of the equation.

On the other hand, Measure W seems to have a direct negative impact on many properties, including:

• Redwood Shores
• Seven homes on Volata Road and Madison
• Docktown Marina
• Fully Alive Community Church
• BIAC Rowing Club
• San Mateo County
• well the list keeps on growing...please see Measure W's Impacted Areas

Amends City Charter

Both Measure W and Measure V amend the City Charter (think the Constitution for the city). Please see: Should we Amend the City Charter?

Measure V Information from Redwood City Website

[Source:  http://www.redwoodcity.org/clerks/pdf/Measure_V_Info_Sheet.pdf ] 

Overview

Measure V was placed on the ballot by the City Council of Redwood City.

This measure would require that a majority of Redwood City voters, at a general municipal or statewide election, approve any legislative action by the City Council which permits or approves development of the Cargill Lands.

What specific properties are affected

Measure V applies only to the Cargill Lands, approximately 1,450 acres of land east of Highway 101 and south of Seaport Boulevard. It has been used for the production of salt and consists primarily of salt evaporation ponds.

What Measure V would do

Measure V would amend the City Charter of Redwood City to:

• Require voter approval of any City Council legislative action permitting or approving development of the Cargill Lands;
• Legislative action would include amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, or Zoning Map, any approval of a development agreement or precise plan, or any other act legislative in nature.

• Development means any use of the land other than for agriculture, public parks and recreation areas or facilities, restored wetlands, certain extractions from San Francisco Bay, or uses defined as accessory or conditional to the Tidal Plain zoning district.

Effect of competing measures

Measure V and Measure W are appearing on the same ballot. If both measures receive a majority of votes by the voters, then whichever proposed measure receives the most votes will be adopted in its entirety, and no provisions of the other measure will take effect.

Costs

• The cost of placing Measures V and W on the November 2008 citywide ballot was approximately $45,000, not including staff time.
• Upon the City Council taking legislative action permitting or approving development of the Cargill Lands, Measure V would require a citywide election. The citywide election would occur only at a general municipal or statewide election, and is estimated to cost $45,000, in addition to other costs such as city staff time.

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