We own a slab of asphalt that brings in over $360,000 annually? When I use the term “we,” that means you, me and all the taxpaying inhabitants of Santa Barbara. This slab doesn’t even cover an entire city block. No maintenance, except a slurry seal every five years. This asphalt slab is known as the Cota Lot. During the week there is parking, and on Saturdays the Farmers’ Market serves our community with healthy local produce. The revenue is stable and predictable, while the proposed De la Guerra location is universally decried by residents and farmers.
There is an alternative. Move over permit holders and farmers, there’s a new sheriff is in town. Wasn’t a new police station $3 million 30 years ago? $5 million 20 years ago? $54 million three years ago? $80 million one year ago? Now it is over $101 million (Measure C). This, without the cost of purchasing land. Which is better: a) up $360,000 per year, or b) down $101 million and in debt?
