At the Chula Vista City Council meeting Tuesday, council approved three items that will impact the city’s economic growth and transparency of government.
Council passed the second reading of an ordinance to amend the city’s campaign contribution law, 3-2. The amended ordinance includes decreasing the opportunity for potential abuse, eliminating duplicative efforts of the Political Reform Act, reviewing the cost of enforcement and making recent case law updates.
In other news, a public hearing was held for the consideration of Integral Partners XXVI, LLC, for Eastlake Property Owners, LLC, to develop an 18.4-acre site with a 389-unit condominium project at the southwest corner of Olympic Parkway and Wueste Road.
This item was continued from a Dec. 14 meeting and represented by Assistant City Manager Gary Halbert and Associate Planner Jeff Steichen.
Jay Norris, vice president of the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, said the process shouldn’t be delayed any further.
“This project seems to have already gone through the processes – if we have to send it through again we’re sending a message that we are not business friendly,” he said.
The city approved amendments to the Eastlake III sectional planning area (SPA) plan, the public facilities finance plan and associated regulatory documents, 5-0.
In addition, the council approved ordinance B, which approves amendments to the Eastlake III planned community district regulations and land use district map, while the resolution to grant a design review permit for the 389-unit condominium project passed with one dissenting vote from Aguilar.
For another item continued from Dec. 14, the council considered amending various sections of the Chula Vista Municipal Code relating to development impact fees, which are fees charged by the city to offset the cost of public infrastructure.
Halbert and Assistant Director of Redevelopment Eric Crockett brought four options to council for consideration.
California State Assemblywoman Mary Salas spoke as a resident. “Over the years I’ve seen our city try to attract development but the reality is that we are not competitive with other cities,” she said. “We don’t want to be left behind.”
Bensoussan said the council must look at cities to the north where redevelopment is happening. “Their fees are much less than ours and redevelopment is taking place,” she said. “We need to get competitive.”
The item was approved 2-1 with Aguilar opposed and Councilman Steve Castaneda and Deputy-Mayor Rudy Ramirez recused.
