On Nov. 4, Carlsbad voters will head to the polls. Among the decisions the voters will make is how to fill two contested seats on the Carlsbad City Council. The seats are currently filled by two of the candidates, Mark Packard, who has been on the Carlsbad City Council for 12 years, and
Michael Schumacher, a planning commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy in May. Challenging them are Carlsbad Resident John Bahr, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a title company and Patrick Knapp, a real estate agent. The Chamber of Commerce, through its Government Affairs Committee, drafted the following list of five questions and solicited responses from the candidates. The Chamber does not endorse specific candidates.
1. What is your vision for the redevelopment of the Village and the Barrio? How does the City enable a smart growth plan that ensures business success?
Bahr: It makes sense to improve existing space in the Village and Barrio, but we cannot forget the other communities in Carlsbad that also have needs. Any smart growth plan should start by making it easier for local business people to operate in the city. Regulations get added on top of regulations, which unfortunately, can make it very difficult to do business in our city. We can change that.
Knapp: My vision for the Village and the Barrio is to come up with a plan that works with the existing businesses, along with figuring out what improvements should be courted for the future. For example, high-end art galleries, restaurants, improved train crossing that is safer for pedestrians, improved trail along the train corridor. The Barrio needs to have not only businesses be communicated with, but also homeowners encouraged to clean up their individual property, but really look at specific areas along with developers to create a specific plan to improve the area through future development.
Packard: I am looking forward to the key findings and results of the Village and Barrio Master Plan development process currently underway because they will spell out the many things we can do to revitalize and redevelopment these important communities. The key outcomes I'm looking for include how to integrate and better connect these areas to the beach and coastal attractions, and how we can plan and execute mixed-use projects to address housing, business and visitor needs.
Schumacher: For more than a decade, I have worked through the Chamber, Design Review Board and other civic groups to push for a comprehensive master plan that will accelerate economic enhancement of the Village and Barrio while preserving its historical relevance. Carlsbad has retained a professional urban development consulting firm to create a community-based master plan. I applaud the interactive nature of this process because it allows direct input from all stakeholders, businesses, residents and property owners.
2. How do you envision partnering with business groups, like the Chamber of Commerce? Do you consider the Chamber a special interest group, or an organization committed to economic vitality for the entire community?
Bahr: I look forward to partnering with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. No, I do not consider them to be a special interest group. The small businesses that make up the Chamber represent our community and I will support their efforts in every way I can.
Knapp: I envision working close with the Chamber because I value their input because they have their pulse on their members and add great input as to what can help business improve. I consider the Chamber an important asset of the community, especially when it comes to business and how we can work together to help business succeed. I believe when businesses succeeds, then so does the community, it's a win-win.
Packard: I have always believed that the role the Chamber of Commerce plays in Carlsbad is vital to our health and welfare as a thriving, world-class community. The relationships between the City and Chamber have become stronger over the years as we attract, develop and keep the types of businesses that fit and support our industry clusters. The Chamber's programs and projects that support and complement the City, our schools, small businesses, legislative advocacy and economic development are invaluable.
Schumacher: When I first moved to Carlsbad, I joined the Chamber and actively participated in a number of its economic development committees. I have seen the relationship between the Chamber and City expand over the years to the benefit of both businesses and residents. The Chamber and City are strong partners in retaining and recruiting businesses and both organizations work closely together to understand the business community's needs and address them. Such partnerships are vital to our community.
3. What is your opinion on the city's track record for housing ratios? Have we treated developers fairly to ensure the City stays in compliance with required affordable-housing ratios?
Bahr: Our city has a master plan which limits the total number of total housing units. We need to minimize the number of affordable-housing units to ensure existing property values continue to increase.
Knapp: The city's track record for housing is OK. There's always room for improvement in specific areas. I believe developers are treated fairly when it comes to affordable housing because they can either build a particular unit or contribute to an affordable housing fund.
Packard: I am proud of Carlsbad's leadership in actually building affordable housing, and in a way that protects property values, offers diversity and is good for business. We are a leader in the County, and I believe the ratios are still good. Affordable housing provides opportunities for those who work here to also live here. Teachers, restaurant managers, college graduates and newly-appointed firefighters all should have options to live in Carlsbad. So should our children and grandchildren.
Schumacher: The state mandates cities update their housing element every eight years. We are currently updating ours, which will take us through 2021. Carlsbad has been a leader in providing affordable housing opportunities so those who work in Carlsbad can also live here. Providing balanced housing options and addressing demographics needs are important for business and residents alike. Because we are near build out, and the opportunities for affordable housing are limited, I support developers stepping up to provide more balanced options.
4. The City is engaged in refreshing our General Plan. What are the two areas in the General Plan you're most proud to see, and what is the one area you would like see changed or improved?
Bahr: The Carlsbad general plan was written by many people who care a great deal about our city. I saw value in every section I read. It did however leave out one crucial element which will be needed to ensure that the "people" of Carlsbad control our city's future. Unlimited campaign contributions from corporations must stop.
Knapp: There are three areas with concern to the City's general plan that I would like to see: the Village, the power plant area and then South Carlsbad. The Village needs to be really cleaned up and meet with the local business to see what else they suggest would help them. The City should also be courting other business to come to our community that would be a great asset (ie: art galleries, restaurants, etc). As with the power plant, my understanding is that it's coming down and the City will be given a huge source of land. This needs to be improved with open space and improve the Carlsbad Blvd area with the moving of the campground by the State so as to create a bluff park that is absolutely amazing. This improvement will not only allow our residents to enjoy this for generations to come, but bring folks and dollars to our community that will help our business community.
Packard: I am very pleased that we are staying true to our housing caps and diversity of products that were established by the Growth Management Plan. I also like the articulation of economic development elements that will grow and sustain our business community. Envision Carlsbad's number one goal was keeping that small town feel, beach community. Our proposed linear park along the coast helps implement this.
Schumacher: I am most proud of how Carlsbad has sought the public's input in every aspect of the development of our new General Plan, from Envision Carlsbad's work to the current process going on in the Village and Barrio. I am very excited about the vision we are creating on redeveloping our coastline, from increasing bike lanes to planning for a linear coastal park. Our community wants to retain our small town beach feel and these steps support that goal.
5. Has the City of Carlsbad implemented the open-space land-use designation adequately? Or, do you think there is still progress to be made setting aside more open space?
Bahr: Carlsbad should set aside as much open space as possible. If left up to developers, every square inch of Carlsbad will be consumed by housing units and parking lots. We need to be vigilant when proposed projects come through planning and go before City Council. Carlsbad's charm must be preserved.
Knapp: Carlsbad has done OK with the open-space land use, but I feel there is always room for improvement and that areas need to be looked at to ensure future open space.
Packard: Carlsbad is managing very closely towards ensuring 40 percent of the community is open space at buildout. We still have two decades to go before estimated build out, so I am sure we will get to the 40 percent. Few if any communities in California have such an aggressive, visionary open space plan, and frankly this is one of the many attributes that sets Carlsbad apart and improves the quality of life that residents and businesses value.
Schumacher: I believe Carlsbad has adequately implemented its open-space plan. Currently, through our comprehensive Growth Management Plan, we have approximately 38 percent open space moving toward a goal of 40 percent at buildout in 2035. No other community comes close. In addition, we were one of the few cities to enact a comprehensive Habitat Management Plan to protect fauna and flora. That said, we need to regularly review options to expand open space in a way that is fiscally responsible.
Michael Schumacher, a planning commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy in May. Challenging them are Carlsbad Resident John Bahr, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a title company and Patrick Knapp, a real estate agent. The Chamber of Commerce, through its Government Affairs Committee, drafted the following list of five questions and solicited responses from the candidates. The Chamber does not endorse specific candidates.
1. What is your vision for the redevelopment of the Village and the Barrio? How does the City enable a smart growth plan that ensures business success?
Bahr: It makes sense to improve existing space in the Village and Barrio, but we cannot forget the other communities in Carlsbad that also have needs. Any smart growth plan should start by making it easier for local business people to operate in the city. Regulations get added on top of regulations, which unfortunately, can make it very difficult to do business in our city. We can change that.
Knapp: My vision for the Village and the Barrio is to come up with a plan that works with the existing businesses, along with figuring out what improvements should be courted for the future. For example, high-end art galleries, restaurants, improved train crossing that is safer for pedestrians, improved trail along the train corridor. The Barrio needs to have not only businesses be communicated with, but also homeowners encouraged to clean up their individual property, but really look at specific areas along with developers to create a specific plan to improve the area through future development.
Packard: I am looking forward to the key findings and results of the Village and Barrio Master Plan development process currently underway because they will spell out the many things we can do to revitalize and redevelopment these important communities. The key outcomes I'm looking for include how to integrate and better connect these areas to the beach and coastal attractions, and how we can plan and execute mixed-use projects to address housing, business and visitor needs.
Schumacher: For more than a decade, I have worked through the Chamber, Design Review Board and other civic groups to push for a comprehensive master plan that will accelerate economic enhancement of the Village and Barrio while preserving its historical relevance. Carlsbad has retained a professional urban development consulting firm to create a community-based master plan. I applaud the interactive nature of this process because it allows direct input from all stakeholders, businesses, residents and property owners.
2. How do you envision partnering with business groups, like the Chamber of Commerce? Do you consider the Chamber a special interest group, or an organization committed to economic vitality for the entire community?
Bahr: I look forward to partnering with the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. No, I do not consider them to be a special interest group. The small businesses that make up the Chamber represent our community and I will support their efforts in every way I can.
Knapp: I envision working close with the Chamber because I value their input because they have their pulse on their members and add great input as to what can help business improve. I consider the Chamber an important asset of the community, especially when it comes to business and how we can work together to help business succeed. I believe when businesses succeeds, then so does the community, it's a win-win.
Packard: I have always believed that the role the Chamber of Commerce plays in Carlsbad is vital to our health and welfare as a thriving, world-class community. The relationships between the City and Chamber have become stronger over the years as we attract, develop and keep the types of businesses that fit and support our industry clusters. The Chamber's programs and projects that support and complement the City, our schools, small businesses, legislative advocacy and economic development are invaluable.
Schumacher: When I first moved to Carlsbad, I joined the Chamber and actively participated in a number of its economic development committees. I have seen the relationship between the Chamber and City expand over the years to the benefit of both businesses and residents. The Chamber and City are strong partners in retaining and recruiting businesses and both organizations work closely together to understand the business community's needs and address them. Such partnerships are vital to our community.
3. What is your opinion on the city's track record for housing ratios? Have we treated developers fairly to ensure the City stays in compliance with required affordable-housing ratios?
Bahr: Our city has a master plan which limits the total number of total housing units. We need to minimize the number of affordable-housing units to ensure existing property values continue to increase.
Knapp: The city's track record for housing is OK. There's always room for improvement in specific areas. I believe developers are treated fairly when it comes to affordable housing because they can either build a particular unit or contribute to an affordable housing fund.
Packard: I am proud of Carlsbad's leadership in actually building affordable housing, and in a way that protects property values, offers diversity and is good for business. We are a leader in the County, and I believe the ratios are still good. Affordable housing provides opportunities for those who work here to also live here. Teachers, restaurant managers, college graduates and newly-appointed firefighters all should have options to live in Carlsbad. So should our children and grandchildren.
Schumacher: The state mandates cities update their housing element every eight years. We are currently updating ours, which will take us through 2021. Carlsbad has been a leader in providing affordable housing opportunities so those who work in Carlsbad can also live here. Providing balanced housing options and addressing demographics needs are important for business and residents alike. Because we are near build out, and the opportunities for affordable housing are limited, I support developers stepping up to provide more balanced options.
4. The City is engaged in refreshing our General Plan. What are the two areas in the General Plan you're most proud to see, and what is the one area you would like see changed or improved?
Bahr: The Carlsbad general plan was written by many people who care a great deal about our city. I saw value in every section I read. It did however leave out one crucial element which will be needed to ensure that the "people" of Carlsbad control our city's future. Unlimited campaign contributions from corporations must stop.
Knapp: There are three areas with concern to the City's general plan that I would like to see: the Village, the power plant area and then South Carlsbad. The Village needs to be really cleaned up and meet with the local business to see what else they suggest would help them. The City should also be courting other business to come to our community that would be a great asset (ie: art galleries, restaurants, etc). As with the power plant, my understanding is that it's coming down and the City will be given a huge source of land. This needs to be improved with open space and improve the Carlsbad Blvd area with the moving of the campground by the State so as to create a bluff park that is absolutely amazing. This improvement will not only allow our residents to enjoy this for generations to come, but bring folks and dollars to our community that will help our business community.
Packard: I am very pleased that we are staying true to our housing caps and diversity of products that were established by the Growth Management Plan. I also like the articulation of economic development elements that will grow and sustain our business community. Envision Carlsbad's number one goal was keeping that small town feel, beach community. Our proposed linear park along the coast helps implement this.
Schumacher: I am most proud of how Carlsbad has sought the public's input in every aspect of the development of our new General Plan, from Envision Carlsbad's work to the current process going on in the Village and Barrio. I am very excited about the vision we are creating on redeveloping our coastline, from increasing bike lanes to planning for a linear coastal park. Our community wants to retain our small town beach feel and these steps support that goal.
5. Has the City of Carlsbad implemented the open-space land-use designation adequately? Or, do you think there is still progress to be made setting aside more open space?
Bahr: Carlsbad should set aside as much open space as possible. If left up to developers, every square inch of Carlsbad will be consumed by housing units and parking lots. We need to be vigilant when proposed projects come through planning and go before City Council. Carlsbad's charm must be preserved.
Knapp: Carlsbad has done OK with the open-space land use, but I feel there is always room for improvement and that areas need to be looked at to ensure future open space.
Packard: Carlsbad is managing very closely towards ensuring 40 percent of the community is open space at buildout. We still have two decades to go before estimated build out, so I am sure we will get to the 40 percent. Few if any communities in California have such an aggressive, visionary open space plan, and frankly this is one of the many attributes that sets Carlsbad apart and improves the quality of life that residents and businesses value.
Schumacher: I believe Carlsbad has adequately implemented its open-space plan. Currently, through our comprehensive Growth Management Plan, we have approximately 38 percent open space moving toward a goal of 40 percent at buildout in 2035. No other community comes close. In addition, we were one of the few cities to enact a comprehensive Habitat Management Plan to protect fauna and flora. That said, we need to regularly review options to expand open space in a way that is fiscally responsible.