Malibu is facing the biggest increase in high-density development in its history. The state government through the Housing Element Certification compels our city to provide the potential development of 441 units of low and moderate-income housing based on its growth projections. The city is considering rezoning nine parcels including a 3,000 percent unit increase on Trancas Field and possibly 20 units per acre at the Civic Center. A spirited public hearing was held on Wednesday, May 25, that included dozens of concerned citizens who feel strongly that the city is not confronting this threat in a creative way that preserves Malibu, as we know it. The city has neglected to attend ANY of the regional meetings to question or challenge these unrealistic housing demands (Malibu only grew by 70 people in the last decade, or a half percent, yet our housing requirement went from 14 to 441).
What was obvious at the hearing is that the city is proceeding without any sense of alarm at the existential threat this gift to developers will have on Malibu. We became a city to preserve our unique and precious community. The city council must lead with passion and commitment; not just hand it off to the Planning Department for rezoning. High-density development will transform our beautiful city into Orange County. It will take effort, creativity and courage to protect our home.
Steve Rucker