Lompoc's "Ken Park" Measure R2024 passed with 54.23% of the vote, paving the way for development of a $121.5 million space-themed education center south of Hancock Drive and west of Highway 1.
Two weeks after the passage of Lompoc's "Ken Park" Measure R2024 with 54.23% of the vote, plans for a proposed spaced-themed educational center, dubbed Space Base California, are moving forward.
"After 6+ years, we made some great progress this week," Steve Franck, CEO of investor group Pale Blue Dot Ventures, wrote in an email days after a second update to unofficial results was posted, confirming the measure's successful 50% +1 vote threshold required for passage.
Backed by Pale Blue Dot, Measure R sought to gain favor from voters for the privatization of 82 acres of public-owned lands for the eventual sale and development of a $121.5 million space center project.
In a post-election press release, Pale Blue Dot announced that after a decade of collaboration, Franck, John Linn, Bob Allen, and Rudi Tuisk "are thrilled to announce a major milestone for Space Base California."
"Lompoc voters have paved the way for a space-themed educational center just south of Vandenberg Space Force Base. Backed by a dedicated team and strong community support, this visionary project moves closer to becoming a reality," they said.
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To make the project a reality, Pale Blue Dot must still work to meet California entitlement requirements, which significant progress has already been made on, the company said.
Entitlement requirements refer to the various permits, approvals, and legal steps to be passed before development on the 82 acres of land can begin. The project will especially require Pale Blue Dot to navigate state environmental regulations and city, state and county zoning change laws.
The 82-acre plot was originally acquired by the city from the federal government in 1984 to be used for educational and recreational purposes. The acreage is located south of Hancock Drive and west of Highway 1.
The investor group thanked local business leaders, educators, and space industry professionals -- "especially those in northern Santa Barbara County and at Vandenberg Space Force Base" -- whose insights helped pass the measure.
"We believe Space Base California is poised to inspire families, spark curiosity in young minds, and unite a global fan base, setting the stage for the future of space exploration," Pale Blue Dot said.