Opposing Views
“For” and “against” has become such a radioactive subject that some opponents do not even want their names disclosed. Here are the views of two protestors who think Mr. Champion’s notion of upgrading the quality of Culver city is a nose-holder. I am digesting their opinions.
Defining Blight
Letter 1
You know that tearing down 13 acres of mainly small, neighborhood-type businesses and replacing them with condos, offices and maybe a few of the old businesses, really isn’t an issue of blight. People, namely Mr. Champion, want to develop the property. The city is in favor because it raises the value of the properties and increases revenues to the city coffers. It’s all about business. That doesn’t necessarily make it right or in the best interests of business. At least not the businesses in that location. Personally, you should work with the businesses to support an alternate plan. Since when has there been only one plan to address an issue or problem? You should even rethink if the outcome will be the same.
Someone Is Drenched
Letter 2
Regarding the Sepulveda Boulevard Project, I think you are all wet.
Blight? What do you mean by that? If “blight” means an older building, maybe needing some paint and a re-surfaced parking lot, this certainly cannot be blight. Could you imagine using this criteria for homeowners? (Cracks in your driveway, your house is more than 40 years old and needs paint. For these reasons someone else should own it?)
You say you favor Bob Champion’s plan For Good of the Community. Does this mean some members of this community aren’t really community members? Some are disposable, just old banana peels? Please remember: Businesses in this Community pay approximately 75 percent of the city’s budget.
I think the city budget is what this is really about. Ever increasing salaries and pensions for city workers. Who is working for whom?
Please take a look at the economy in Mexico. I see two really big differences: Corruption and property rights. Since we don’t have corruption (at least I hope not),let’s talk about property rights. Do you really mean that “For the Good of the Community” it is better if commercial property is actually communally owned?
Government workers decide who owns commercial property?
Maybe this sounds more like the old Soviet-style command and control economy. This doesn’t work any better than trying to secure title to property in Mexico.
