Politics & Government

Breaking Down Measure T

Watsonville voters will decide on the annexation issue June 4.

Watsonville voters will decide in June if they want annex two plots of agriculture land into the city reserves, a contentious issue that pits farmers against those pushing for economic development.

Here are the basics about the election, courtesy of the Watsonville City Clerk's Office.

... voters will vote on the following ballot question: Should the City of Watsonville amend its Urban Limit Line to allow for the possible annexation of approximately 95 acres of agricultural land to the City limits for future economic development and jobs?”  

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The property that is proposed to be added to the City of Watsonville Urban Limit Line is about 80 acres (Subarea 2) on the corner of Riverside Drive (Highway 129) and Highway 1, known as the Sakata Kett property. It would also include the 15 acre parcel across Highway 1, known as Greenfarm (Subarea 3) where the Redman house is located.

Check out the map above to see exactly where these parcels are located.

Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For all of Patch's coverage of Measure T—including the letters to the editor and blogs readers have submitted—click here.

Proponents, led by Watsonville City Councilman Daniel Dodge, say the land could provide a economic boon to the city if developed as shopping centers, like those along Highway 101 in Gilroy. That would create jobs and provide sales tax revenue to the city.

The "No on Measure T" camp, including farmers and the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, are against paving over valuable farmland. They
would like to see infill within the current city limits.

Election Day is June 4 but voting will be at the City Clerk’s Office 275 Main St., Suite 400, 4th floor of Civic Plaza beginning Monday, May 6.

Hours:

  • Mon to Thurs, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Weekend of June 1-2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  • Election Day, June 4, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Have an opinion about the proposed annexation? Comment below, post a blog or email your statement to Patch Editor Jacob Bourne.


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