Measure W Benefits

• Zero: Open Space Created or Restored

• Zero: Parks Created

• Zero: Current Parks and Open Space threatened

• Cargill: It does target this property, but so does Measure V.

Measure W Costs

Measure W Exposes the City to Legal and Financial Risks

• Land use is complex:  Measure W is poorly written, vague and ambiguous. This initiative could put the city at serious legal and financial risks, costing Redwood City taxpayers a quarter to half a million dollars in legal fees per lawsuit. Please read the 22 pages that comprise Measure W and decide for yourself just how clear it is.

• Special Elections: Many land use decisions under Measure W would require a 2/3rds vote via a special election. These special elections can cost the the city up to $242,000 each. 

• Bankruptcy: Measure W could threaten the solvency of the city. Lawsuits are not always won by the city. If lawsuits should succeed, then the payouts can be huge, with real threats to the long term viability of the city. Just look at what just happened to Half Moon Bay, which was threatened with bankruptcy due to just one land use case.

Result

• Money for elections, litigation and pay-outs will most likely come from the General Fund for Redwood City. Impacts:

  • Loss of city services: All these expenses means that money would not be spent on neighborhood police patrols, park maintenance, youth and senior programs.

  • Loss of new parks and open space: Acquisition and restoration of open space and funding of new parks may just come to a halt, with current park services being harmed.

Measure W will Cost Residents Real Money

Economic Study Projects Measure W Will Cost Homeowners $34 million

"REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 1, 2008 – An independent evaluation of the effects of Measure W on homeowners estimates that affected homeowners would lose over $34 million in property values if the measure passes in November. In a study requested by the Peninsula Coalition, Economic and Planning Systems (EPS), an independent expert in Bay Area real estate economics and land-use policy, found that Measure W’s effect would reduce the value of homes by approximately 5 percent, translating into tens of millions of dollars in total diminished value. The study was released today by the Peninsula Coalition and the San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) as part of their efforts to study and help quantify the effects Measure W would have on the community."  Please see attached below: