With elections around the corner, will those who had a part in the Downtown Newhall issues be replaced?

Jeff over at SCV Talk raises an important issue today: Will the anger over the closing of the historic Newhall Hardware store affect the upcoming Santa Clarita City Council elections?

The issue of Downtown (or Old Town) Newhall Redevelopment has finally come to the forefront with the closing of Newhall Hardware, and hopefully by now people are realizing that this isn’t the only business headed for disaster under the current redevelopment plans.

It seems rather curious that the redevelopment plans have sat idle for the last several years, and now that the eminent domain provisions are up for renewal shortly (as in next year) we’re seeing ramped up action on this plan.

Per redevelopment agency documents: The Agency has had eminent domain authority as an option to address projects in the Project Area since 1997. Under the Law, the time limit on eminent domain lasts for 12 years, unless extended by amendment. The time limit will expire on July 8, 2009.

Is this because the currently-elected Council members fear that a new City Council team would nix their prior plans when the eminent domain provisions come up for renewal next year? Or is it just because we’re finding ourselves in a crappy economy and an equally crappy real estate market, so they figured it’s time to mess things up even more? Or is it just plain bad timing, without regards to any other factors?

When you vote this year, be sure to take a look at what each candidate represents for you, and don’t fall into the trap of just voting for a familiar name or face. If the current City Council rocks your boat, then re-elect them. If not, then vote for someone else.

In regards to Old Town Newhall’s redevelopment process, we’ve seen some unpopular decisions from the Santa Clarita City Council this year. Back-in parking that was then reversed to the standard front-in parking after much public outcry. The rerouting of San Fernando Road traffic onto Railroad Avenue, significantly reducing traffic flow to businesses along the San Fernando Road corridor. And to make things even worse, those God-awful stop signs every few feet that seem to serve no purpose other than making sure you have a bird’s-eye view of the now-failing businesses and peeling paint on those buildings.

This is the time for us to make changes in our government, whether local, state or national. Be sure to get out and VOTE, and be sure to research the candidates before voting for them. And remember that the City Council elections will be held on April 8, 2008.

For those of you thinking about just voting for a familiar face: If you don’t know what they represent, and you don’t know who is best suited to replace them, then don’t vote for that seat at all this year. Be an informed voter!

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