A Time for Change?

The city council is the recipient of the "public trust" --acting on behalf of the voters.
If preferred/inside developers can tell the city what to do, --build high density apartments for seniors, violate zoning and building code requirements, or to condemn private property by eminent domain, is the council acting in the public interest? Or is the council acting only in there interest of the developer, & therefore against the public interest?

If property is transferred to the developer, -- or leased for many years for $1.00 the development plot plan & building use can change with the whims or requirements of the developer or builder. They can just claim they cannot build unless they give the desired changes.
You can already see site plot plan #41 for the proposed "Not Town Center" site. The developer will only maximize income, profit and density on the site. After fee simple title to the land is transferred, the city council, planning department & RDA have little change to influence the outcome.

Development plans, building plans and approvals should be completed BEFORE any city land sales.
All projects should go through the planning process first, before land is tied up to developers.
Otherwise the city has given up it's right to influence/control the project on behalf of the people.
Notice that Stater Bros. only now is closing escrow on their Norton site after their building plan approvals.
This is usual and customary in private development, the city should not be naive, and give up control.

The council should substantiate what compelling public interest is served by using Eminent Domaine for land grabs to benefit Stater Bros. and Lowe's. These corporations can afford to pay owners the market value of their land. The city should not use ED, especially when much developeable land is available adjacent and in view of the freeway. The council/RDA should be willing to be totally transparent, IF they are acting in the public interest.

Perhaps it is time that the Citizens "INSTRUCT" the council to dissolve the REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY and end its ternary, folly and malignant attacks on the citizens and social norms of the city. Eminent domain is an action provided for in the US Constitution. The recent US SUPREME Court Decision allows the States, Counties, and City's to determine what is meant by "PUBLIC USE" or "PUBLIC BENEFIT". Other cities counties and states have protected their property owners. IF Grand Terrace does not Protect the Rights of Property Owners soon no one will buy and invest in Grand Terrace. Do you want to talk Blight think about it 20 years from now.