YOUR help is needed – we must act now!
What is “the Strip?” Where is it?
The “Burnham Strip” is the open land between Highway 1 and El Granada, from Coronado Avenue to Capistrano Avenue. (See the map on the back.) The Burnham Strip is comprised of 10 parcels. The “Strip” is across from Surfer’s Beach, a well-known and popular location.
Why is it there?
In 1906 Daniel Burnham designed El Granada to focus views toward the ocean. The Burnham Strip provides the open view of the beaches and Half Moon Bay.
Isn’t this already public open space?
No, it’s not, even though it is designated as PARK in the community plan. The Harbor District owns about half and the rest is privately held. The Burnham Strip is currently zoned COSC (Community Open Space Conservation); that zoning allows various uses, including residential, which would close off the Strip and block ocean views, and in the ongoing Local Coastal Program (LCP) Update the County is proposing making development easier by allowing huge houses on small parcels. The Burnham Strip already has two structures, a preschool and a private residence. We must vigorously protect the remaining land before it’s developed, by acquiring it as a park.
Is the Burnham Strip open space threatened?
Yes, there are currently two pending applications to build private residences on the Strip. as well as several proposals in recent years to develop the largest parcels owned by the Harbor District.
Can it be saved? How?
Yes! The opportunity is now! Right now, the owner of the 0.8 acre parcel next to the preschool is willing to sell. Finally, the community has a chance to buy it! This property could become the first piece of El Granada’s public parkland/open space. The Harbor District may also be willing to sell its parcels. If this first property could be obtained now for parkland/open space, the rest of the Strip will be easier to obtain and preserve for public use. The Burnham Strip Committee of MidCoast Park Lands (MPL) is actively seeking pledges, donations, and grants to first buy that parcel and then the entire Strip for the community.
Could it become a public park?
Beginning with the parcels now available, the Strip could become public parkland/open space managed by MPL, our local nonprofit that manages Quarry Park. Various uses of the property could be proposed and implemented, such as exercise courses, a dog park, athletic fields, or passive open space including picnic tables and view benches.
Your contributions are urgently needed, or we will lose this land forever.
For information, to help, and/or to donate, visit www.SaveTheStrip.org
As a Community we can do this!