Central Park would be layered 17 times over with buildings if all the proposals for development since its creation had been permitted.

How We Work: Case Studies

Case Study
Defense of Place Works to Prevent Park Sales in Millbrae, California

Challenge
In February 2004, the City of Millbrae, California proposed selling protected open space that has long been used as a de-facto park.

The Spur Property was originally set aside to extend Junipero Serra Boulevard. When Interstate 280 was built instead, the state deeded the property to the city solely for the purpose of recreation, not to be used for development.

By selling the Spur Property for residential development Millbrae officials hoped to close a budget deficit. But when local citizens raised significant opposition to the proposal, the City Council eventually agreed not to sell the land if a ballot measure to fund fire protection received voter approval. The measure passed, but city officials again asked the City Council to consider selling the land.

Strategy
In an effort to avoid a future sale, citizens contacted Defense of Place. With the legal counsel of Shute Mihaly and Weinberger, we notified the city that the sale of the Spur Property for development is illegal. The letter from the law firm cited the following:

1. The City designated the parcels as part of a park and selling parkland would require voter approval.
2. The land was given to the city by the State of California and can only be used for streets, highways, parks or open space.
3. The City would need to perform an Environmental Impact Review before it could sell because previous modifications to the property required such review.

Result
Citizen activists initiated a petition drive and a website aimed at keeping the Spur Property in public hands as a park. We remain involved in this ongoing project.

Links
Read a history of the Spur Property and the events leading up to its potential sale.

"No Trespassing: Group Tells Council Keep Away From Open Spaces," San Francisco Examiner 7/28/04

(Headline) Defense of Place Press Release 7/26/04"Group Calls Open Space Sales Illegal"

San Mateo Daily Journal 7/24/04

Millbrae activistsÕ website http://www.millbraetomorrow.org/url

City of Millbrae's "Millbrae Now" Report The cityÕs plan for resolving its budget problems that includes possible sale of protected open space.

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