At the Malibu City Council meeting on Feb. 13 on the subject of Safe Routes to Schools, we were promised by the interim city manager, John Jalili, two more public hearings. He said it was their intention to hold further public hearings to discuss plans for the route. We, the Point Dume Voice for Safety organization, want to know the dates for these two public hearings as promised at that meeting. We certainly hope that these meetings are held before any final decisions are made.
My questions for the Malibu City Council are: Where are the studies that show that these pathways are the right approach; Why the east side of Dume Drive; Who is making the decisions; Why were the pathways switched from the west side to the east side. There is a rumor going around the Point that a Planning Commission official lives on the west side of Dume Drive. If this is true, then there is a conflict of interest. Is this person going to vote on the project? Or have they already voted for the opposite side of the street? Also, where is the traffic study to show that this side of the street is safer?
These questions were all asked at the Dec. 1 meeting. Why are the Malibu City elected officials afraid to get community input? No wonder the plans appear secretive.
Lastly, I want to make it clear that we are for safety for everyone. Whether you are four years old or 80.
At the last meeting, Jeff Jennings stated that we should put our questions in writing and e-mail them to the City Council. I e-mailed every council member and, as yet, I have received nothing in writing. It would appear that they do not want to answer the questions.
Mondair, the civil engineer, said that our questions were being looked into. Claudio Sanchez, deputy civil engineer, said the same thing. Mondair and Pamela Conley Ulich stated that the city has further plans to extend these pathways over the whole point. Malibu city officials, prove that you have nothing to hide and respond to these questions immediately.
Susan Flanigan