Measure E Desperately Needed In Canyon Lake, Supporters Say

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce has voted to endorse the passage of Measure E, and now it will be up to the city’s registered voters to decide the initiative's fate on Nov. 5.

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.

The City of Canyon Lake is in desperate need of revenues, according to budget forecasts. If built, supporters see the proposed retail development as a way to bring dollars to a city that otherwise has a very limited revenue stream.

To date, the city may be out of money in the near-term and currently finds itself unable to fund its only fire station unless Canyon Lake voters pass Measure D on Tuesday.

“The Chamber represents the business community, a community that knows exactly the situation Canyon Lake’s city finances are in and that the proposed Goetz Hill retail center is a vital component to fixing those problems and ensuring the future prosperity of our great city,” said Goetz Hill partner Dave Carlton in a released statement. 

“The city needs the revenue that will be generated and the residents need the jobs and the new shopping and dining opportunities the retail center will provide,” Carlton continued.  “Canyon Lake needs Measure E.”

Canyon Lake Chamber President Mike Irvin said in a released statement that he has been disappointed by misinformation put out by opponents of the Measure.

“The opponents of the measure have been deceptive and the scare tactics they have used is wrong,” Irvin said. 

Today between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., a rally is planned at Canyon Lake’s main gate. According to email blasts circulating, Measure E opponents will rally against the initiative. According to the blasts, many opponents believe a mining operation, not a retail development, is planned for the site.

Nothing in the Measure points to a mining operation.

Any development plan for the site must still be filed with the city, and in turn any application must be processed in accordance with the requirements of federal, state and local laws/ordinances regarding development approvals and environmental review. Additionally, public hearings would be required, giving the public the chance to weigh in well before any development plans were approved or rejected by city officials.