08/02/2026
It has come to my attention that this anonymous leaflet has been placed in some mailboxes in our ward. Iβd like to clarify some potential misconceptions.
While both the proposed Charter amendments and 5151 SOM are matters of interest, they are not related to each other. These proposed Charter amendments relate to rezoning. 5151 SOM is already zoned for single family, and the potential landownerβs idea is to build single family houses.
The Charter Review Committee, which is constituted every 5 years by law, has proposed 5 Charter amendments to be placed on the ballot this November. Council votes on whether the amendments should be placed on the ballot; it does NOT vote to approve or reject the amendments themselves. That is up to the voters.
Four of these amendments have been voted on already by Council after 3 public hearings. Three amendments were approved for the ballot, one was rejected. One of the approved amendments was removal of the ward veto. Reasonable minds can differ on this issue. I believe there are good arguments both to keep and to eliminate the ward veto. And thatβs why the question should go to the voters. You can watch my comments about this issue at the 6/1 and 7/20 Council meetings on the Cityβs YouTube page.
Another proposed amendment relates to residential to residential rezoning. This would allow Council to decide the procedure whereby a residential to residential rezoning request is granted. This has not been voted on yet because there was a modification to the proposed amendment at the last meeting.
I am not in support of putting this amendment on the ballot and intend on voting no. The amendment will likely take away popular referendum for these kind of rezoning requests. Voters have a right to decide directly on whether a proposed rezoning benefits them and the community. Residents are right to be concerned that this could too easily result in a residential zoning designation that is not in their interest. When combined with the ward veto amendment on the ballot, I believe this is asking for too much change, too soon.
Now, as mentioned, the property at 5151 SOM is already zoned single family. Any landowner can already legally build up to 30 one-acre houses on the site. No rezoning is required.
As Iβve stated many times, I am opposed to the development that has been proposed. And in the long time that the property has been for sale I have stood firmly with neighbors in opposing any large-scale development. As mentioned, this is pristine land. I have been closely involved both in this recent proposal and in previous proposals with all parties and potential parties. I am reluctant to share any updates in this space because I do not want to create any false hope or expectations. This is especially because the status is constantly changing. But if youβd like an update on where we are with the property, please contact me.
I am more than happy to listen to you personally or at a Council meeting about either the proposed Charter amendments or 5151 SOM. But please do not conflate the two separate issues.
TL;DR: The proposed Charter amendments and the proposed development of 5151 SOM are unrelated. I stand with neighbors in opposing any large-scale development at 5151 SOM.
