Politics & Government

Supporters Of Proposed Goetz Hill Retail Project In Canyon Lake To Hold Informational Session

The Sept. 28 event is being sponsored by the Committee for Measure E.

A public informational session on Canyon Lake’s Measure E and the proposed Goetz Hill retail center project will be held in the downstairs meeting room at Canyon Lake City Hall between 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, it was announced today.

The event is being sponsored by the Committee for Measure E, a group of local residents, business owners, and community leaders “who believe strongly in the future of Canyon Lake and are dedicated to improving our great city,” according to a news release from the group.

The session will feature development and construction experts and the principals of the project itself, according to the news release.

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Measure E asks Canyon Lake voters to decide whether an area of the city commonly known as Goetz Hill should be graded for retail development. The vote on Nov. 5, 2013 is “advisory,” which means the vote does not approve or disapprove of the development and does not have the force and effect of law, according to an impartial analysis of the Measure by Canyon Lake City Attorney Elizabeth Martyn.

If passed, Measure E could include, but would not be limited to, the removal of aggregate (rock) that makes up a portion of the hill in order to allow for grading and eventually commercial (including retail) development, according to Martyn’s analysis.

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The proposed retail center would be located on Goetz Hill, with automobile access via Railroad Canyon and direct golf cart access from inside the community, according to Thursday's press release from Measure E supporters. 

"Prior to the construction of the project, the property will be graded, a process that could take about four years, depending upon state and local regulations and planning decisions," the release read.

The City of Canyon Lake has not received or processed a written development application for any retail or commercial project, Martyn wrote in her analysis.

“If a complete development proposal is filed with the City, the City still must process the application in accordance with the applicable requirements of federal, state and local law or regulations regarding development approvals and environmental review,” Martyn’s analysis read.

Arguments on the Nov. 5 Sample Ballot in favor of Measure E state Canyon Lake is in dire need of revenue that could be generated from the project, while arguments against say there is nothing concrete in the Measure that promises development and the objectors accuse the project of being a mining operation in disguise.

In a rebuttal, Measure E supporters maintain the grading would not be a mining operation.

To see all the arguments for and against Measure E, check your sample ballot that will arrive over the next few weeks or click here to see it online.





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