Measure 26-219: Incidental uses on water burau land

This would amend the city charter to allow council to approve “incidental uses” on Water Bureau property. Not a bad idea, but this isn't the way to do it. There are two huge problems.

First, what counts as “incidental” isn’t defined. The city could allow anything on water lands. Have a water tower down the street from you? Maybe council will allow a community garden. That'd be nice. More likely, though, council will sanction an incidental stabby homeless camp.

Second, council could funnel water funds and raise rates to pay for those incidental uses. Who wants to pay more for water to support the stabbers living under every water tower and other water bureau property with council blessing?

Hopefully no one.