Posted on 06/16/2012 1:09:27 PM PDT by DogByte6RER
U2 guitarist may get a second chance at Malibu mansions
Lobbyists who worked on the Edge's project are urging legislators to approve a measure that could clear the way for his development, which the Coastal Commission rejected.
SACRAMENTO — The California Coastal Commission rejected a controversial proposal last year by U2 guitarist the Edge to build five mansions on a scenic bluff above Malibu, saying that it would scar a rugged ridgeline and harm sensitive habitat.
Now, some of the same powerful lobbyists and lawyers behind the musician's quashed development are working the halls of the Capitol to push a bill that could give the rock star another chance at his dream compound.
Environmentalists and state agencies say that if the legislation becomes law, it will undermine the commission's position on his project and also extend to the character and development of the entire California coast and to state public lands.
At issue is how government agencies determine property ownership and how they use the findings in deciding whether to approve development.
Currently, the Coastal Commission has discretion to approve projects in environmentally sensitive areas — and the size and nature of those developments depend on ownership. The agency is more inclined, for example, to turn down a developer seeking approval for a multi-home project than a property owner trying to build a single-family house.
Developers at times try to skirt the issue by claiming each homesite has a different owner. They shield the identities through formation of limited liability corporations.
In the case of the Edge, whose real name is David Evans, the agency denied his plans because it said he was attempting to bypass environmental rules and maximize development by submitting five separate applications, each under a different corporate name.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Looks like U2's guitarist is just as big of a POS as the lead singer is ...
Liberal or conservative....how can you fault him for making money....I mean, when AGW kicks in big time, and the oceans rise, those bluff units will now be islands and he’s just quadrupled his investment.
At least Plant had Page.
Ireland has lots of nice cliffs - why does he build there where he’s from?
I am sure if he put a windmill next to each house to power it and a clothesline to dry clothes, it would pass in a NY minute.
You mean The Side or The Non-Smooth Surface" as he is known? Doesn't he play with some singer named Bonzo?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.