Avila Ranch opponents have holes in their arguments

The Nov. 29 Viewpoint opposing the Avila Ranch housing development was very puzzling (“SLO needs affordable housing, but Avila Ranch is too much, too soon”).

The authors said they “are not trying to stop the project.” But they admitted they are suing to stop it. They said they are not taking “a not-in-my-backyard (NIMBY) stance” against the project. But they are not suing to stop the similarly large San Luis Ranch project, just Avila Ranch, which happens to be near their homes.

They said the City Council forced their hand because the council did not listen to them. Let’s remember that a previous City Council endorsed a long-term plan calling for housing on this site. And that before Avila Ranch came to this council, the development was scrutinized by the Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Commission and the Airport Land Use Commission. They all gave the project a green light. And then the council reviewed those decisions, and gave it a 5-0 vote of approval.

I think the council listened. It’s just that the council chose to agree with the previous council, the several review boards, and the many people who, like me, support the project.

This story was originally published December 19, 2017 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Avila Ranch opponents have holes in their arguments."