March 14 is Deadline to File Arguments For, Against Annexation of Farmland

Today, March 14, is the last day to file an argument for or against a measure that could allow the city to annex farmland to be converted into a shopping center. 

In the City of Watsonville staff words, the measure would address this 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?

A special election on the matter will be held June 4. 

Patch reported earlier that many people in the agricultural community are urging the Council to postpone the vote until 2014. The 80-acre plot is prime farmland, they say, yielding $25,000 in profit for every acre of strawberries.

Advocates for the shopping center, however, say that the economic impact on the community would be greater with a shopping center.

If you're interested in filing an argument, here are the guidelines, according to the city:

Deadline: 5 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Where to file: Arguments for or against the measures must be filed with the City Clerk, 275 Main Street, Fourth Floor, Watsonville, CA 95076, for printing and distribution to the voters as provided by law.
Info: Arguments may not exceed 300 words in length. Guidelines on writing arguments are available by calling the City Clerk’s Office 831-768-3040 or by visiting the County Clerk/Elections Department’s website at www.votescount.com. Each argument must be filed with a Signature Statement mandated by law.

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