Each commissioner on the Malibu Planning Commission has publicly stated their desire to “slow down” the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) review process for the proposed Malibu Bay Company Development Agreement. The ‘common sense’ logic behind their position is that they simply need more time to thoroughly review the huge amount of data being submitted to them.
Much of the data does not answer many of the tough questions regarding the overall environmental impact of the project. These questions need to be answered not only for the commissioners, but ultimately for the citizens of Malibu which the Planning Commission and City Council serve.
One of the most significant questions is about traffic: 1. Traffic related to ingress and egress of the proposed two ‘donated’ ball fields and community center that will be located on Point Dume on the curve in PCH between Heathercliff and Portshead roads. At present, this ingress and egress is virtually impossible and unquestionably dangerous. Why would we want to jeopardize our children at this unsuitable site?
2. Increased traffic on PCH not only from the proposed approximately 300,000 square feet of Malibu Bay Company commercial development, but the cumulative impact from all the other proposed projects in the pipeline; the new hotel to be located at the corner of Malibu Canyon Road and PCH; the La Paz project (approximately 125,000 square feet); the Schultz project (approximately 40,000 square feet); the on-going expansion of Pepperdine University; and the proposed State Parks visitors center at Bluffs Park.
There is also the possibility that at least six more ball fields (if the bond measure is passed) could also be built at Bluffs Park. And on top of all that, we still have more than 45 acres of commercially zoned property in the Civic Center that can be developed in our future.
We all know there is only one way in and out of Malibu and the traffic is increasing every day. All of the above adds up to a traffic nightmare. Is this what we want our wonderful Malibu to become? I don’t think so? I hope not!
Ozzie Silna