Bay Area Selects Controversial Compact Regional Growth Plan

Michael Cabanatuan writes that "the strategy, approved by the governing boards of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments... is the Bay Area's attempt to satisfy (the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008, also known as) SB 375 that requires regions to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions" (from the transportation sector). This is the first step - an environmental review is due next.

The state Air Resources Board has assigned the Bay Area a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 7 percent by 2020 and by 15 percent by 2035.

"...the plan establishes a closer connection between housing and transportation planning. Cities and counties are not obligated to follow the plan, but money for transportation improvements would go to areas that adhere to it. But even though the plan is optional, it has generated great controversy, as was evident at Thursday's public hearing, which drew an overflow crowd of about 200 and inspired 70 people to wait for hours to speak."

Writing in the Contra Costa Times, Lisa Vorderbrueggen captures the sentiments of those most fiercely opposed to the plan.

"Property rights advocates assailed the "global climate myth" and the regional planning effort as an unconstitutional and treasonous act that will lead to dense "pack 'em and stack 'em" high-rise transit villages."

"Regionalism equals communism," East Bay Tea Party founder Heather Gass said.

MTC also describes other legislative adoptions that occurred on May 17 in their press release:

"The 'Preferred Land Use and Transportation Investment Strategy' is a key milestone in developing the final Plan Bay Area, which is due for adoption in April 2013. MTC also voted to approve the "One Bay Area Grants" (OBAG) program, and ABAG approved a draft housing allocation methodology for Bay Area cities."

Thanks to MTC Library