The purpose of this letter is to give a little context to the argument whether chain stores should be regulated or restricted in favor of local retailing, and to provide a bit of institutional memory. First, the local chain stores have nothing to do with open space or recreational facilities within their centers. These were largely a result of restrictions imposed by the California Coastal Commission on the developers who built the centers. The Coastal Commission also initially imposed many restrictions that have been largely ignored.
Second, let us not forget the small businesses which use local stores as their only available retail outlet. It is extremely expensive to buy shelf space in a store such as Ralphs or Vons. To be able to sell food products produced locally would cost tens of thousands of dollars which local small businesses cannot afford, but an independent store such as PC Greens will carry local products without the small manufacturer having to pay shelf space.
Third, if you want local, small, eclectic businesses to succeed, there must be housing available at rents/purchase prices that small business people can afford. I am specifically avoiding certain buzz words in order that we concentrate on the ecologic realities. The original city council decided that there was sufficient affordable housing in “granny shacks’“ spare rooms, etc. But city zoning soon started inspecting and citing owners of affordable housing, and Paradise Cove MHP does not allow renting of any parts of units at all. And remember the affordable housing condos across from what is Pavilions? What do they cost now?
I am not attempting to advocate for any side in this fight, but simply to remind us that there is a much bigger picture than is presented by the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.
Carolyn Wallace