Fail: 4293 / 34.15% Yes votes ...... 8277 / 65.85% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Summary Prepared by City of Union City:

Background In 1989, the City's general plan was amended pursuant to Measure B, a voter initiative which preserves the natural appearance of the rugged Eastern foothills. Measure B restricted new development on the hills. As required by Measure B, the City adopted the Hillside Area Plan in July 1995. The Hillside Area Plan includes all property within the City limits lying Northeast of Mission Boulevard and comprises approximately 6,100 acres of land. Currently, the area encompassed by the Hillside Area Plan includes "Flatlands" located generally to the Northeast of Mission Boulevard in Union City. Although it contains no hillside lands, the Flatlands are zoned agriculture and retain agricultural land use designations.

Proposed Ballot Measure The purpose of the proposed initiative ordinance, entitled the "Union City Flatlands Development Initiative," is to amend the City's General Plan and Hillside Area Plan to allow for the limited development of 63 acres of Flatlands privately owned by the Masons of California, which operate the existing Masonic Homes. This initiative will move the existing boundary of the Hillside Area Plan to allow for the development of affordable senior housing, including assisted living facilities and a health care facility for the Masonic community, which could include memory care services for the treatment and care of individuals suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia.

This initiative will also allow for the new development of low-density single family housing and neighborhood retail space. Additionally, the initiative seeks to create new public recreation spaces, including public parkland, trails and a community garden. Any proposed new development will be subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act and will require public review and City approval through the normal entitlement process.

The Notice of Intent to Circulate the Petition filed by the proponents of this initiative is available at the City of Union City, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City, CA 94587, or by contacting Renee Elliott, City Clerk, at (510)675-5348. More information about the City's General Plan, including the Hillside Area Plan, may be found at http://www.ci.union-city.ea.us/commdev /general plan.htm. Submitted by
s/Benjamin T. Reyes II City Attorney, City of Union City

Official Sources of Information

• Official Election Web Site

Pro/Con Forums

• Sept. 25, Union City Council Chambers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C1FuXZvnaU&list=PLAvSVMIGDzxXgFmH401uaui-X3S3OJj1y&index=1