Using Resources Wisely

By Joe Costello

A discussion about critical issues which will shape our future.

Another key issue was and continues to be traffic. By voting in the 1/2% sales tax increase, the citizens of Arroyo Grande provided the funds needed to maintain existing roads. We have been working for over a decade to "fix" the Brisco interchange. As a member of the council I have been working to provide an acceptable alternative to the existing interchange that CalTrans will approve. We have the funding set aside but must secure CalTrans approval soon to use the allocated funding. I am committed to doing this. I have also been involved since the beginning with the formation of the Five Cities Fire Authority, which merged the Arroyo Grande, Grover Beach and Oceano Fire Departments into one organization. This has provided a higher level of service to the community with shorter response times, a streamlined administration, and uniform training and standards, while saving Arroyo Grande over $400,000 annually. As our community grows, the existing basic services must grow with it. The infrastructure: the roads, water supply, sewage services, police, fire, Parks and Recreation, and Public Works, must keep pace. In order for Arroyo Grande to remain livable, we cannot allow projects that over burden our infrastructure. If a project violates our general plan, can't pay for itself and will detract from the standard of living for the citizens of Arroyo Grand, it must be denied. If it adds to Arroyo Grande, if a project helps to make our city a better place to live and is adequately funded, I welcome it and will support it.

Affordable housing remains an issue. By partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the city has completed several projects that have provided affordable senior and family housing. I will continue to support these efforts. While there is no easy solution to the problem of affordable housing, I will continue to provide incentives to builders willing to add affordable housing to their projects. community to solve this problem.