Why Ballot Box?

Point Arena Lighthouse It is important to shed light on the series of events that ultimately led Developers Diversified Realty (DDR) to move forward with a ballot measure for Mendocino Crossings.

There has been no action from the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors regarding this proposal. In 2005, DDR filed the first submittal for a zoning change at the former Masonite facility.  The County refused to process the application, on the basis that Mendocino County needed to complete the Ukiah Valley Area Plan (UVAP) and UVAP Environmental Review (EIR) under CEQA.  

While the initial application was being stalled by the County, DDR held 21 community meetings asking for input to find out exactly what the public wanted at the former Masonite site.  From these meetings DDR updated their plans to include what the community asked for – creating a sustainable, smart growth, mixed-use project – one that provides light industrial for manufacturing, retail for large membership warehouse stores, multifamily and live-work residential, restaurants and entertainment uses.

A revised application was filed in 2008 and again, the UVAP EIR was delayed. DDR continued asking the County to process their application and the County continued not to act. 

As a result, in the spring of 2009, DDR gathered over 10,000 signatures from Mendocino County voters to allow the public to make the decision regarding Mendocino Crossings.

Measure A is about local shopping, keeping tax revenues local and creating more than 700 jobs.