Comments by Steven Hyman

Another bill to exempt developer from the law submitted to Assembly

Ken,

I’ve stated many facts over and over again.  The bottom line is that we don’t agree. And its likely we will never agree and that’s ok.

You see this land as something special, I don’t.

You wanted to appeal and I wanted to settle.

You don’t care if HMB files bankruptcy and I do.

I look at AB 1991 as a way to avoid paying $18+ million dollars for something worth a fraction of it.  You see the bill as a way to chip away at the environmental laws.

I could see that that is a remote possibility.  But to me and many other people, what’s more important is not paying $18+ million.  The other ramifications are secondary to paying $18+ million.

Whether we are civil or insulting (and I didn’t throw the first stone), it doesn’t change the fact that we view this very differently and most likely always will.

In some ways this has been kind of fun but frankly, its now going on 6-7 months and we just keep rehashing the same old views and its getting old.

Another bill to exempt developer from the law submitted to Assembly

Go read the City’s lengthy rebuttal of the CCC’s appearence.  And who better than Lanny Davis knows when people mis-speak.

Another bill to exempt developer from the law submitted to Assembly

It doesn’t get any clearer than the statements made by our mayor who said “The Commission staff has intentionally mislead and knowingly spread false information to the State Legislature...”

Its a sad commentary to the levels people and organizations will stoop to carry out their agendas.  And I’m not referring to our City Council who made the best out of a mess they inherited.

Another bill to exempt developer from the law submitted to Assembly

The CCC was not forthright in front of the State Assembly, therefore the remark.  But of course its ok to call our officials all sorts of names.  But in deference to being PC, I’ll now use mis-speak.

As far as the CCC goes, I would like to see their influence in our area reduced, especially in terms of needs to go to them for permits. And I’m really talking about the individual property owner, not the big developers who have armies of lawyers to fight their battles.

I see too many things in my job how ordinary people are jerked around by the endless, rising permit fees combined with slower turn around time to feel otherwise. The entire system needs a major overhaul but that won’t happen.

I along with many people think I’m funny.  But here I’m actually trying to show restraint.

In all seriousness, its hard looking at Beachwood and taking this infill parcel as anything but that.  It would be a great joke if it wasn’t going to cost the town a fortune. 

Every time I show property, I point out this site and almost everyone of them has stared in disbelief over it.  Not one person has said things like I see here.

Sorry but I don’t buy into the hysteria coming from the Chicken Little crowd.  And I don’t think the public at large does either.  Hope AB 1991 passes.

Another bill to exempt developer from the law submitted to Assembly

Its getting so hard knowing who to believe these days.  There’s the Truth Squad, liars of the Coastal Commission and our own home grown Chicken Little crowd.

Here’s a solution.  Why don’t we take the beautiful weeds that everybody’s so hot for and transplant them in the new mediums being built among HWY’s 92 and 1.  Then we can all marvel in their splendor without getting out of our cars.

And, of course, let Beachwood be what it is meant to be, a neighborhood.

To your other point, AB 1991 is only for HMB.  The fact that others may try and alter it to suit their special needs is a testimony to the creativity of the American spirit.

If we are lucky enough to get this bill passed, the Chicken Little crowd can take the credit for its passage.  The current CC is just trying to clean up the mess they inherited.

HMB releases financial analysis of Beachwood settlement

One of the very first questions an appraiser asks is what’s the purpose.  Divorce, death, purchase.  That will have an effect on the outcome.

In confrontational sales such as divorces, its best to have several appraisals and then average them.  Each side may have a different estimate of value.

Probably would be interesting to see a few appraisals on Beachwood so its value can be established.  These would be costly to do.  Don’t know if it really matters because the price has already been established.  The difference would be the cost of the lawsuit for damaging Keenans’s property.

HMB releases financial analysis of Beachwood settlement

Initially, I thought AB 1991 was wishful thinking.  But that was before the City hired Master Spinner lobbyist Lanny Davis.  He certainly showed he knows how to work the system.

Keenan would probably do very well building 129 homes.  I think it would be an ugly process with fights all the way.  But he has proven he can take a lot of garbage and dish it out as well.

I would still rather take the money and say adios to HMB.  With that much cash, there must be some amazing opportunities in the state.

HMB releases financial analysis of Beachwood settlement

I agree that the City would make the most money if they sold each lot privately.  The more lots they can pack in that area, the more profitable the project becomes because some fixed costs will be amortized over a bigger base.

There are many more costs that haven’t been anticipated like surveys, reports and most importantly the 6% real estate commission!

But dealing with this is a potential nightmare.  I wonder how many people would want to take this on considering its colorful past.

Personally if I had my choice between building 129 homes here over 5-7 years or taking $18 million in cash, I’d take the money in a NY minute.

HMB releases financial analysis of Beachwood settlement

Anytime you want something done poorly, let the government do it.  Whether its federal, state or local, its not an impressive record.

The City shouldn’t try and play Donald Trump.  Can you imagine every single sale having to be approved by City staff, Council with the lawyer’s approval.

And considering how long it takes to sell lots, how long will this take. 2,3,4,5 years?

Its always best to know your limitations.  The City should stick to what it does best.  I’m sure many of the posters here have different ideas of what the City best talents are.  Ken, I think, favors the cartoon!

Anyway, should AB 1991 not pass, the City should try and sell the whole lot to a big developer and let him deal with the headaches.

Perhaps, the City could do an equity partnership.  They should start to market it soon so that they can have a concurrent double escrow and reduce the money they would have to otherwise pay Keenan

HMB mayor, attorney say Coastal Commission staff is lying to legislature

The truth is AB 1991 is on to the Senate with a commanding victory.  And that’s no Mis-Speak.

HMB mayor, attorney say Coastal Commission staff is lying to legislature

You guys are using the wrong terminology.  The PC phrase for libs is “mis-speak”.

Never thought I’d say this but the Slickster’s lawyer did an awesome job, understood the competition and knew how to divide them.  I guess it takes one to beat one.

Now there’s a creditability issue with the CCC and the eco groups from the far reaches of the state. The legislators are going to take what they say with a grain of salt now.

And if they try and flip flop they’ll just dig a deeper hole for themselves and Lanny will be glad to point that out to the Senate.

I’m stunned.  This may actually pass.  I’ll really miss that wetland wonder by McDonald’s and the sewer plant.

Local Government Committee passes AB1991—next stop: Appropriations Committee

I want to hedge my estimate of Beachwood’s value by seeing how many water and paid sewer connections there are.  Water connections are going for over $40,000 now and the surplus unused hookups are worth some serious money to other land owners.

Local Government Committee passes AB1991—next stop: Appropriations Committee

If Beachwood was sold to one person, my guess is that its worth $4,5,6 million.  Then to maximize the value of this parcel, it needs to be subdivided into as many parcels as possible.

With the wetlands on this property, who knows how many lots you can get, how much money will need to be spent on reports, maps made and streets with utilities built.  And of course, how many more years of fighting.

Todays land prices go for around $250,000 to maybe $350,000.  So if you get 20 lots that’s max $7 million less all the above costs, plus lawyers.  40 lots might push that up to $10-$14 million.

Of course, the real question (which will influence its value) is who in their right mind would want to buy it and deal with all the factions of HMB.

There are too many other easier opportunities elsewhere.

Local Government Committee passes AB1991—next stop: Appropriations Committee

We are trying to make the best of a horrible situation.  All the solutions are bad but paying $18 million for something worth 5 is not acceptable to me.

I don’t see the scenic beauty of this site.  I could see if someone (and this is just an example I haven’t researched) wanted to build 129 Spyglass size homes on Martin’s Beach.  That’s another story.  That being said its also my favorite beach and I’ve fantasized about living there in a nice home.

Anyway, this place needs to come together.  We can’t fight over every single thing.  We need to get things done in a timely manner.

This loss should be a wake up call that things need to change.  But unfortunately I still hear fight fight fight.  And that’s too bad.  I guess we will need more painful lessons still it sinks in.

Local Government Committee passes AB1991—next stop: Appropriations Committee

Ken,

I don’t know that I agree with you that the anti-environment groups are a small minority.  I think what you’ve seen over the years is a very committed well oiled minority getting there way.

As I’ve said many times, Beachwood isn’t worth the fuss and MONEY.  What a mess for most people (except the lawyers).  And I’m sorry that I can’t appreciate this wetland wonder, I still see it as just a field of weeds near McDonalds and the sewer plant.

In hindsight, this was the wrong battle.  And AB 1991 will pass the Assembly this week with the help of the bogus “grass root supporters, shills and mercenaries”.  We met with George Mozingo of SAMCAR today and he is working hard to make this a reality.

Appropriations Committee passes AB1991

Carl,

You really need to look in the mirror. Its you who’s begging all your green buddies at the 4 corners of the state to bail you out from the mess you made for HMB.  That makes you the shill, lakey, flunky or whatever.

I sense the desperation in your writing.  If AB 1991 is passed (which is looking better by the week), its you and your obstructionist cohorts who will be blamed for the consequences.  All your eco friends may not want you at their wetland parties.  They may even be so angry at you that they’ll take away your green card.  Then were will you play.

You overplayed your hand so deal with it and stop your whining.

All I seem to hear from you is a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.

Appropriations Committee passes AB1991

Maybe so but these people are the real bogus grass root supporters and shills that Kevin and Carl object to.

I guess they only want to slam people who don’t see it their way. Luckily, HMB’s slick lawyer anticipated these transparent moves and has neutralized them.

Appropriations Committee passes AB1991

Got to admit.  You guys are the masters of speaking of out of both sides of your mouth.

Kevin blasts local for supporting the City and Carl calls us shills.

But its OK to have obscure groups that don’t even know where HMB is or heard of AB 1991 to come out against it.  Talk about SHILLS.  What do you think these guys are???

Your moves are so fake and transparent.  That’s why your efforts will fail.  And this isn’t lost on Slick Willie’s lawyer.  He’s used to Dem BS.

Appropriations Committee passes AB1991

This “grass roots local realtor” and 25 year resident sent in a letter of support.  I wasn’t inspired ( or contacted) by the slick lawyering of Lanny Davis. It was Kevin’s earlier post that motivated me to action.

Considering this is turning into such a circus, maybe we should sent our letters to the other Leno.

Appropriations Committee passes AB1991

And that makes us different from the people who own gas stations, shops, restaurants, etc.  All the Realtors I know think this is a great place to work, live and raise a family.

As far as George Mozingo goes, he does a great job in protecting property owners rights from bad legislation.  We are lucky to have him.  The Coast is a small part of SAMCAR but he spends a disproportionate amount of his time dealing with all our issues.

I doubt I’ll make any money off of Beachwood, which is years away from seeing built homes, so I’d say my efforts are grass roots too.

I think I’m right too.  There’s nothing special about this sacred field of weeds and I don’t want to pay $18 million for cleaning up a mess.  This is the logical way to go.

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