Uccelli pays up, ball is now in the opponents' court

The San Mateo Daily Journal reported this week that Paula Uccelli has paid the full amount demanded by the state for her lease of the outer harbor at Pete's Harbor.  I might have missed it all together as deeply as it was buried.  I apparently also missed the news about the Save Pete's Harbor fundraiser last Saturday.  Would like to hear how it turned out from anyone that attended.

But the official closing of the harbor comes next week and I'm not sure if there is anything that can be done to stop it.  The issue over the lease of the outer harbor is resolved for the time being.  

The next step is the appeal to the city council on January 28 over the approval of the development.  At question is whether providing boat slips is better for Redwood City than permanent housing.  That may not be the question to you or to the Save Pete's Harbor organization, but ultimately, that is the question the council must consider.  If the SPH people want to win their case, they have to present evidence to that affect.  In fact, group leader Alison Madden claims they have been preparing financing and plans to offer an alternative to the Pauls Corporation proposal.  Perhaps we'll see it then.

After that the SPH has to prove to the State Lands Commission that a liveaboard boat marina is more valuable in the outer harbor to the state than the public access plans the Pauls Corporation offers.  Again, the question of the greater good is in the hands of an appointed government board.

I really do wish them well, but as they say, If wishes and buts were candy and nuts....