Orinda citizens are concerned about pressure for more extensive development in downtown as stack and pack does not fit the semi-rural character of Orinda. What about concern for the increased zoning in semi-rural residential Orinda? The General Plan is the embodiment of community values. Doesn't the General Plan also preserve the quality of life from extreme pressure to more extensive development in residential Orinda?
The General Plan, 2.1 states residential zoning should be low density, single family, 1 to 2 units per acre. The Guiding Policy is to maintain the semi-rural character of Orinda. The Orinda City Council has violated that policy by increasing Orinda residential zoning to high density to allow for a rental unit on each lot. Now homeowners can end up surrounded by rental units. This new higher density residential zoning will increase traffic as each rental unit will have 1 or more cars. Increased traffic will deteriorate roads and increase green house gas in our neighborhoods. Increased population will denigrate our schools.
Orinda voters should be allowed to vote to determine if they want to destroy their quality of life. Unfortunately, the City Council with the exception of Eve Phillips will not allow Orinda citizens to vote on maintaining the semi-rural character of Orinda.
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