Sensible Development on the former Fort Ord

By Jane B. Parker

Development of the former Fort Ord was envisioned as education and research-based jobs set in a beautiful natural setting.

The Board of Supervisors frequently approves projects without sufficient scrutiny to issues of suitability, sustainability and location. This leads to decisions that threaten our precious natural resources. The proposed Whispering Oaks business park and MST bus yard is a prime example. Development plans for this site were well down the road by the time I was elected to the Board, but the more I looked into it, the more I realized this site should be preserved. There are several other sites that MST could choose that will not require cutting down 3,400 trees and threatening existing recreational activities. As for a business park, let's fill existing buildings throughout the county and develop the blighted areas of Fort Ord first. Ft. Ord is a world-class destination for bikers, hikers and horse riders, linking the coast, the inland BLM lands and regional parks that together provide many miles of trails. Seen this way, open space on the base is the real key to vibrant and sustainable economic development in our area.

I am committed to cooperating with other jurisdictions and organizations to build on our existing asets for job creation. We can create and attract good paying jobs and career opportunities by boosting sustainalbe agriculture and tourism, and partnering with CSUMB, UC Santa Cruz, the Naval Postgraduate School and other research and education institutions for expansion of their work.

The Veterans' Cemetery is also a key part of the former Fort Ord. I am encouraging FORA to take a financing role to make the cemetery a reality in the earliest possible timeframe.