Assessment Plan Change Sought

The city of Port Hueneme has developed its beach into a very attractive asset that draws users from inside and outside the city. Beach users coming in cars pay a fee to park in lots or on the beachfront portion of Surfside Drive. Users who park on the side streets or walk or bike to the beach do not pay a parking fee.

The parking fee does not generate enough revenue to maintain the beach and provide for other associated expenses. Therefore, the city is planning to establish an assessment district, asking only property owners south of Hueneme Road (closer to the beach) to pay an assessment to help subsidize the costs. To determine who pays and how much, a formula based on “proximity,” “view,” and “square footage” is being applied.

I am not opposed to paying my fair share of what it costs to provide needed services.

If assessment districts are the only way the city can raise the money, I’ll support them--but they must be fair.

Public beaches are for the public generally and not just those in close proximity or with a view or with a certain amount of square feet. The beach maintenance assessment district should be made citywide.

DOROTHY BLAKE

Port Hueneme