What is Measure V, the Majority Vote Amendment?

Targets Cargill Saltponds

If you are not familiar with Measure V, also known as the Majority Vote Amendment, here is the quick summary: This amendment only conerns the Cargill saltponds’ use and development. For example, land use and zoning changes on the Cargill properties would require a majority vote (50% + 1) to pass. Measure V does not affect other private properties like Docktown, the seven residential properties next to Red Morton Park, the waterfront propertries at Redwood Shores, other properties shown on the impact list, and the general plan.

Simple Open Space Vote

Cargill saltponds, at 1,433 acres, offer tremendous potential for Redwood City. Measure V entrusts the voters to decide the future of this vast property. Measure V locks in the existing tidal plain zoning and the land use designation of managed resources production. Any change to zoning, land use designation or future development would require a majority (50%+1) voter approval to proceed.

Limits Collaterial Damage

Since Measure V only targets the Cargill Saltflats, the scope of its impact is limited to just Cargill. This means limited collateral damage.  Please see: Measure V's Impacted Areas

What is Measure W, the Two-Thirds Vote Amendment?

Targets Developed Land, Parks and Open Space, including Cargill Saltflats

The targeted areas of the initiative are not only undeveloped lands and parks, but also many developed properties. Please see: Measure W's Impacted Areas

Limits Vote on Land Use

This initiative limits voters input on future land use by designating all these properties, including developed lands, parks and open space as 'Open Space Land' and then requires a special election and a winning of a two-thirds super majority for simple permits, licenses and changes in zoning,

Targets not only Development, but nearly all acts of the City Government

• Defines parks, many developed lands and open space as "open space lands."
• Defines all the tools of government, including simple permits, licenses, codes, rules and much more. Note the phrase in Measure W: "entitlement for use" This means all licenses and permits. 
• Points back to the entire law "shall be approved or issued unless consistent with the provisions of this Section".

Freezes the Status of all Impacted Areas

Section 6a.B.(1) “Open Space Lands” means all lands identified as either (a) “Park,” “Unimproved Areas (Land or Water) Devoted to Preservation of Natural Resources, the Managed Production of Resources, Outdoor Recreation, or Public Health and Safety,” “Future Development Expanding Limits of Urbanization,” “Controlled Waterway (Redwood Shores Area),” or “San Francisco Bay Water” on the City’s General Plan Land Use Map as of March 13, 2008; or (b) “Tidal Plain” (“TP”) or “Redwood Shores Bay Front” (“RSB”) on the City’s Zoning Map as of March 13, 2008.

Not Legal Advice Caveat: Remember we are changing the city government’s Constitution. It means each period, word, and phrase is subject to legal interpretation. We are not professing to be giving legal advice. Please seek legal counsel and ask them what this initiative means. Be careful whom you ask. Another name for a lawyer is an "Advocate." Save the Bay's lawyers are very respected "Advocates" whose job is to advocate the position of their clients. First step is to read the initiative yourself, come to your own conclusions and seek the advise of others to fill in the gaps. All statements made in this website should be treated as opinion and not fact. We encourage you to dig deeper and draw your own conclusions.

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