Prop. G for Carlsbad

When citizens take to the streets with petitions to use the initiative process, the result often is simplistic law that cuts too broadly and imprecisely. But it cannot be denied that successful initiative campaigns--California’s Proposition 13 in 1978 and San Diego’s Proposition A last year, for example--serve to articulate fundamental dissatisfaction with the way government is doing its job.

Residents of Carlsbad next month will vote on Proposition G, an initiative that would radically change the rate of growth in that city of 55,000. Drafted by residents unhappy with the City Council’s willingness to allow rapid growth, Proposition G would limit the number of new housing units that could be built in the city to 1,000 in 1987, 750 in 1988 and 500 for each of the next eight years. Low-cost and senior citizen housing would be exempt. If passed, the new ordinance would go back on the ballot in 10 years, when voters would decide whether to keep it in effect for five more years.

In response to Proposition G, the City Council has placed Proposition E on the ballot. This proposition essentially restates the city’s existing Growth Management Plan, and adds the requirement that no development be approved unless public facilities and services are available. If both propositions get the necessary majority vote, the one with the higher rate of approval will prevail and become law.

A major thrust of Proposition E is to cap the number of dwelling units that can be built in Carlsbad at 54,599. The city estimates that, by the time that happens, the population will have climbed to about 135,000.

The city’s philosophy on growth has been to allow it to occur rapidly--but to try to guarantee that the quality of the growth remained high and the impact reasonable. If Proposition G passes, that philosophy will be replaced by one that says slow growth is better, in part because it allows time for better planning.

Implementing Proposition G would be difficult and expensive. Legal challenges are almost certain if it passes. But other California cities are making similar building restrictions work, and over time, preserving the quality of life in a very attractive city like Carlsbad would more than amortize that cost.

Despite our skepticism about much of the law that springs from the initiative process, we think Proposition G would be good for Carlsbad and urge residents there to vote yes on G, no on E.