S.D. County takes on sprawl at ballot box

[question everything]

http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories/0,1413,203~26127~1971008,00.html#

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

(snip)

The Rural Lands Initiative aims to put a 20-year ban on the subdivision of more than 1,000 square miles of unincorporated land in eastern and northern San Diego County. New developments would require voter approval in future elections.

Opponents say the initiative, which goes before voters on March 2, allows urban voters to dictate land-use decisions affecting rural communities and derails a county growth plan that's been in the works for years.

Proponents of Proposition A argue it would guard against sprawl and its harm to the environment and the quality of life in San Diego, where civic boosters prided themselves on being "south of Southern California" and its endless suburbs.

(snip)

Hemmed in geographically on three sides by the ocean, the Mexican border, and Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, San Diego County's growth pressures have caused housing prices to soar and development to expand toward the backcountry.

(snip)

[Zorro]

1. This failed at the ballot box before

and IMHO is not an effective "smart growth" management approach.

I think it won't pass this time, either.