SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Coastal Commission (CCC) has once again pitted itself against sustainable, green development on the California Coast. The CCC voted on December 11th to deny a Coastal Development Permit to the proposed Monterey Bay Shores EcoResort (Ecoresort), the most environmental and sustainable designed project proposed to become a Platinum rated USGBC project, even though the resort would restore the site decimated by over 60 years of sand mining.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091221/LA29022)

The beach-front Ecoresort on the Monterey Peninsula has been designed as the greenest environmentally sensitive project in the country and perhaps the world. It has visionary sustainable design features, water savings, gray water recycling, significant renewable energy components, restoration of dunes and habitat, public access, 500 green jobs and 50% reduction in carbon footprint. A rendering is attached (www.MontereyBayShores.com).

The project was appealed to the Coastal Commission by the Sierra Club after Sand City's approval. The CCC failed to fulfill its mission under the Coastal Act by denying the Ecoresort permit. Even taking into account the views of those who in general oppose any development, this is a project that deserves approval: it exceeds all applicable laws and standards, including the Local Coastal Plan certified by the CCC and the Coastal Act, it is effectively the greenest resort development ever undertaken, it is good for the economy, and will establish leadership position for California for such iconic projects.

The Superior Court of California in 2008 ordered the Coastal Commission to rehear the project under strict guidelines that would allow the project to move forward. Yet, the CCC denied the project altogether, in spite of strong environmental and municipal support and the Court Order, seeking instead to effectively set aside the 39 acres site and designate it as open space. The State previously designated it for development of up to 650 units mixed-use resort. Such an action is prohibited by law and in addition is contrary to the Memorandum of Understanding entered into in 1996 approving it for development. The Ecoresort plan, developed over the past 16 years, has only 341 mixed-use units.

Former Coastal Commissioner David Armanasco from Monterey, who appealed the initial project before its redesign into the Ecoresort says: "...I am amazed...The new design has the potential to be recognized globally for its uniqueness and respect for the coastal environment...The Ecoresort is designed to meet or exceed the Local Coastal Plan Standards and Coastal Act Policies...the project will generate 500 hundred green jobs and will benefit our local economy...an extraordinary futuristic gem. I recommend approval..."

Designed by some of the same team members that brought California the award-winning California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) living roof, this project restores a blighted beach and provides visitor-serving facilities. Paul Kephart, of Rana Creek, noted for his contributions to both the Academy of Sciences and the Ecoresort, said after the denial, "The California Coastal Commission should integrate green building standards into its permitting process, seeking projects that provide exemplary examples of low impact, low energy use, and water conservation strategies at the core of its design. This Commission should have recognized the Ecoresort for its world class sustainable design, its long and expensive investment in the planning process, and because of its acceptance and endorsement from many people in the Monterey Bay Area. The Commission has little understanding nor appreciation for sustainable planning and building practices. And that's too bad."

The project has been hailed by the green environmental community as a beacon for California and the United States for its environmental stewardship. By denying the project, the CCC violated the court order and, in effect, has gone against the will of the people of California for world-class development leadership projects. After the denial, Dr. Ghandour, President of SNG, said, "Doing business in California has become impossible. The rules keep on changing. You would think that with the State's financial woes and unemployment, the State would support environmentally Green projects that promote jobs, sustainable design and renewable energy systems that can become shovel ready. Apparently not. Investing millions of dollars in California is not warranted, especially when rogue agencies oversee the regulatory process."

SNG, a small development company located in San Francisco, has been involved in real estate development since 1987.

SOURCE SNG

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.MontereyBayShores.com