The town we live in, Pacifica, California, can’t grow. We’re stuck between the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On top of that, the residents tend to be anti-development. Not just because of of the environment, but because the infrastructure is already hard pressed to maintain services for the residents.

There was a huge issue on our last ballot. A developer wanted to takes several tens of acres between Hwy 1 and the beach and turn it into a mixed business-residential areas. Emotions ran high as each side of this hot potato accused the other of all sorts of impropriety.

The arguments for the project cited the fact that our local schools are hurting, the roads are in need of major repairs, and the police and fire services are inadequate. More tax base is required.

The arguments against it are: It’s wetlands. More people means more traffic and students in the school, and more pressure on water, electric and public services.

The issue was voted down by a 2:1 margin.

I don’t know what the right answers are. i’m just glad I’m not the Pacifica city planner.