‘Market value’ likely on the high side

In Sunday’s opinion section, Bill Brouhard questions the integrity of the referendum on Valley’s Edge. It is not productive and a disservice to the public discourse because it distracts from the critical issues that spoke to the 8,500+ Chico citizens who signed the referendum opposing this sprawling development.

I have heard individuals speculate on the potential cost of housing in the plan. But to cherry-pick this as justification of disinformation is just that — disinformation. I worked closely with the referendum’s organizers, and speculating about property value was not even in the conversation. The focus was careful consideration of the facts related to negative structural and environmental impact on the entire community.

Mr. Brouhard, when asked at a city council meeting, what these properties would cost, said it is difficult to tell — that they would be at “market value.” Given that the majority of these properties are slated for low to medium density, it is likely that their “market value” will be on the high side. Mr. Brouhard also conveniently leaves out the fact (‘omission’ — another kind of disinformation) that only 2-3 percent of the entire plan is committed to affordable and low-income housing.

I would also ask if Mr. Brouhard has consulted the yet-tobe-approved draft Housing Element. It prioritizes affordable, low-income housing, not the kind of low-to-medium-density housing in Valley’s Edge.

Translated? Valley’s Edge is aimed at profiting from expensive housing which doesn’t really care if you’re a Chico citizen or not. That’s how Brouhard’s “market value” works. Disinformation indeed.

— Eric Nilsson, Chico