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Pacifica Quarry

** Update: Measure L was defeated in the November election! This is great news. Although the developer threatened to build a Wal-Mart at the Quarry if Measure L failed, it is unlikely that will occur. Greenbelt Alliance will continue to monitor any new proposals for the site. **

In the coastal community of Pacifica, a quarry that ceased operations two decades ago sits on the Pacific Ocean just west of Highway 1. The 87-acre lot is adjacent to both the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and Mori Point reserve, and Calera Creek and its floodplain define the flat areas of the Quarry. Because of the land's significant habitat value, the Trust for Public Land offered to purchase and permanently protect the land, but the Quarry owners were unwilling to sell the land for preservation. 

In the summer of 2005, Miami-based developer, Don Peebles, purchased the quarry in the hopes of breaking into the West Coast market. Known for his posh beachfront condos in Florida, Peebles wants to build a luxury 350-room hotel, 355 housing units, and a shopping center at the Quarry.

However, a 1983 ballot measure requires a vote of the people before any housing is allowed on the property. For that reason, Measure L was on the November ballot. Measure L would have authorized the City Council to allow up to 355 housing units at the Quarry.

This isn’t a new issue for the people of Pacifica. Twice before, in 1993 and in 2002, developers have brought forth unsuccessful ballot measures for housing in the Quarry. And twice before, the developers left town without building any commercial development. 

No development is a good match for this site. New development would increase traffic congestion along Highway 1, increasing pressure to expand the highway. According to the California Coastal Commission, the development may not be allowable under the Coastal Act. The Quarry contains significant wetlands habitat. California has already lost 91% of its original wetlands; we should be protecting, not developing, the last of this rare and productive habitat. The Quarry is also considered an environmentally sensitive habitat area, home to federally listed endangered species such as the California red-legged frog and the San Francisco garter snake. Peebles has been publicly derisive of measures to protect “one or two little frogs.”

What's at Stake

Growth is inevitable, but there are appropriate places for growth, and the Pacifica Quarry is not one of them. It is far from transit, will create significant traffic congestion, and will include no affordable housing. 

Perhaps most important, the Quarry is sensitive habitat land for endangered species and is home to some of the few remaining coastal wetlands in California.  Lands such as these are an irreplaceable treasure. They should be protected, not paved.

It is not clear what will happen now that Measure L has failed. It is important to continue to oppose development of the site, and to support its permanent protection.

What You Can Do

• Write a letter to the editor explaining why any development of the Quarry is a bad idea.  Letters must be less than 500 words.  Send letters to the Pacifica Tribune.

• Get involved with the local group Pacifica Today and Tomorrow.

Campaign Update

November 2006
Voters in Pacifica voted down a ballot measure that would have allowed up to 355 housing units on the Pacifica Quarry. East Coast developer Don Peebles had grand plans to build a luxury hotel, retail and a mix of housing types on wetlands and endangered species habitat. Currently, the zoning allows only commercial development on the site and only a vote of the people can change that zoning to include a residential component. The California Coastal Commission weighed in heavily that any development on the quarry is unlikely due to the sensitive surroundings and, at most, maybe an interpretive center could be envisioned for the site. Peebles had used the threat of building big box retail such as a Wal*Mart if he did not get his way on election day. Greenbelt Alliance will continue to monitor any new proposals for the site. Thanks to Pacific voters for defeating Measure L!

October 2006
In August, Greenbelt Alliance took a No on Measure L position in regard to development on the Pacifica Quarry. The quarry is home to wetlands and endangered species habitat, and was purchased one year ago by an East Coast developer. Greenbelt Alliance has reached out to members encouraging them to write letters against Measure L to the Pacifica Tribune and to get involved with the local group, Pacifica Today and Tomorrow.