Martinez News Gazette 10-02-2007

Dear Editor,

 

Our limited supply of open space is being threatened by proposed development.  There are roughly 5 acres of permanent open space on Vine Hill Way between Center and Morello that are at risk.  On Wednesday October 3rd the owner of the property is requesting that the City Council amend the General Plan by changing the designation of this scenic hillside to residential.  If you’ve driven, walked or biked up Vine Hill Way you’ve probably enjoyed the view as you’ve gone past.  According to the latest plans submitted to the Planning Commission your view of the hillside would be replaced by a vista of a retaining wall that looks eerily similar a freeway sound wall.  In my book, that’s not a change for the positive.

 

If I look just a little deeper, I see another looming problem.  If by some stretch of the imagination, this open space was allowed to be developed, wouldn’t that set a precedent that would allow every other open space in town to sprout houses?  We don’t have a lot of open space left and I don’t think it’s a good idea to fill the every open area with a bunch of new homes, condos or apartments.  These open spaces were set aside for a purpose and that wasn’t to save them for future development.

 

The owner of this property bought this land almost 30 years ago knowing it was open space.  It wasn’t a secret that the property was declared as open space as a mitigation for the development nearby.  He’s been working on a way develop this for years and has not been able to get past the Planning Commission.  Last July, the Planning Commission again voted to deny this request, but he has chosen to bring the issue to the City Council, hoping to override the Planning Commission.

 

I’m asking all who support open space in Martinez to voice your concerns at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday October 3rd.  The meeting starts at 7 pm.  If you can’t make it, please let your opinions be known to the City Council via email, letter or phone.  There’s not much open space left in Martinez.  Let’s keep what we have.

 

Mark Thomson