The following letter was read at the Monday meeting of the Malibu City Council.
Those of us who are fortunate enough to live in Malibu, now have a one-time opportunity to protect our stretch of coastal paradise for all time. After years of considering large-scale commercial development in the Civic Center area, the Malibu Bay Company has offered to sell the Civic Center property known as the Chili Cook-Off property to the City for $25 million. The purchase must be concluded by Dec. 31, 2005, or the offer to sell expires. The purchase of the Chili Cook-Off property is central to Malibu’s ability to resolve its longstanding water quality problems and to ensure that its rustic beauty is not destroyed by large-scale development along with the significant traffic increases it would bring.
Converting the Civic Center land into a Central Park and restoring the natural environment will create a centerpiece for our city and will ensure a lasting legacy for Malibu residents and their extended families. This process is estimated to cost an additional $7 million.
More importantly, a wastewater and storm water management solution will enable us to significantly reduce the urban pollution, that today flows into Malibu Creek and Lagoon, which pollute the beaches where our children swim. It is within our power to restore Surfrider Beach to its pristine natural condition.
Since 1998, the Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, has been working toward this very end. Now, for the first time, the City has a willing seller for the Chili Cook-Off property. The City of Malibu has asked the Malibu Coastal Conservancy to help in this fund-raising effort.
In the spirit of cooperation and overall unity, MCLC has already begun such an effort. It is our intent to help raise the funds necessary to complete the projected Central Park. Should we be fortunate enough to raise more funds than needed, MCLC will use the surplus in an attempt to acquire additional land in the Civic Center to expand the proposed Central Park.
Those who wish to contribute and/or participate in this worthwhile cause can reach me by calling 456-8054.
Ozzie Silna, treasurer
Malibu Coastal Land Conservancy