Measure L: Rezoning brings dispute over development

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- On Election Day on Tuesday, Riverside residents will vote on Measure L. It's a ballot initiative designed to protect open space lands and regulate development in the city. But its opponents say it does nothing of the sort.

Campaign mailers are often confusing, and Measure L in the city of Riverside, is no exception.

For example, supporters say Measure L will "Save the Hills." But opponents say it's actually the first step to destroying Riverside's open spaces.

"It's very confusing. 'Save the Hills' sounds pretty good, but I don't think it saves the Hills at all," said former Riverside City Councilwoman Laura Densmore.

Densmore is against Measure L, mainly because it opens the door to a big development in this part of town, known as the La Sierra Lands.

"I mean, we could look like Corona. Corona used to be wide open and pretty, and now it's covered in apartments and lots of houses," said Densmore.

"This is going to be a carefully planned community," said former Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge.

Loveridge is in favor of Measure L. He says yes, if approved, there could soon be development in the La Sierra Lands, but the area known as the La Sierra Hills would be protected forever.

"Behind me as I came this morning, you could see people enjoying the mountain and it reminds you why you want to preserve them," said Loveridge.

So is the measure about the Hills, or development? Well -- both.

A map of the two areas shows that if Measure L fails, everything stays the same as it is right now: the Lands zoned for 142 homes maximum, the Hills zoned for 307.

If Measure L passes, the Hills would be re-zoned so no homes would be built, but the Lands would be re-zoned for up to 1,950 homes.

If L is approved, what will it look like in 10 years? "Crap, it will look like hell," said Densmore.

And when it comes to the Hills, Densmore says Measure L isn't needed. She says the Hills look just fine the way they are right now.

But Loveridge says the only way to make sure the Hills won't be developed is to pass Measure L.

"I'd rather see people enjoy it, and not rich people's homes that keep people out," said Loveridge.

It's important to point out that no matter what you read in any of the mailers, if you read the actual text of Measure L, it's really just all about re-zoning -- for potentially a lot of homes in one place, and no homes in another.