FISCAL STABILITY

By Mayda C. Winter

FISCAL STABILITY - Commercial revitalization will be crucial for our survival, but must be in balance with community livability and the environment

I believe that Imperial Beach has a very good economic future. Over the past four years we have experienced lower crime rates, higher property values, cleaner beaches and major civic improvements. These positive achievements have "set the table" for economic development and the results are already evident. A blighted shopping center will soon undergo major revitalization, new retail shops and restaurants have opened along our beachfront, and tourism is increasing - all contributing to much needed tax revenue.

Pond 20, located just east of our City limits on Palm Ave. encompasses approximately 95 acres of land, 30 of which is believed to be developable. The land is also adjacent to our newly established South San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This land may represent the best development opportunity Imperial Beach may have at this time, but it must be developed in balance with community livability and the environment. I would envision a well-designed project that was compatible with surrounding land use and could address our City's economic needs. The community vision identified goals such as a mixed-use facility that would incorporate theatres, recreational uses and shopping plaza. I would go further, exploring possibilities such as low-impact facilities that would also accommodate a conference center with overnight accommodations, restaurants and retail shops, perhaps adding a recreational element such as an aquatic center or even par-three golf course. I would also encourage the consideration of a bay front "green-belt" that would establish a park-like setting directly along the bay to attract small-scale tourist development such as "bed & breakfast" and eco-tourism related businesses. Our community goal to increase tourism without overcrowding should be reflected throughout our City, not just the beachfront. Amenities that would serve the community and tourists, in balance with the environment would be key in developing our City into a premier destination.

A major focus must also be legislative changes to reallocate sales tax. The current allocation structure forces cities to compete for tax revenue generators, like the "Big Box" retailers just to keep pace with rising city expenses, many times causing conflict with the community and their vision for their city's future.