It was with great pleasure last week that we watched our city planning commissioners publicly state that the review process and timeline for the Malibu Bay Company Agreement (and EIR) requested by our council was unrealistic and unfair to all parties involved. It was refreshing to see this commission stand up for what they believed to be true, the fact that they needed more time to do their job effectively and fairly to the city, the Malibu Bay Company and the public.
After discussion, it was clear that there is simply too much information, too many questions and too little time to clearly understand and digest what is the largest commercial development project to ever be proposed in our city. It was also clear that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the project is woefully inadequate and full of issues that need to be examined thoroughly. It was also clear that the property donated by the Malibu Bay Company on Point Dume in exchange for additional development rights in our Civic Center and Trancas Canyon area may not be the best financial deal for the city or for the safety of its citizens. A few ball fields (two) and community buildings are great, but not in exchange for intense commercial development that will impact our already fragile highway, environment, open space and public safety.
The planning commissioners did the right thing, and their honesty and concern should be acknowledged by all. Haste makes waste. Hastily analyzing this agreement can make a waste of all we love in Malibu.
Lawrence Weisdorn