Council clears the way for Moraga Adobe restoration
By Sora O'Doherty
Despite pleas from the residents of Donna Maria Way, the Orinda City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 5 to introduce Ordinance 17-09 on or after Dec. 19 and approved Resolution 89-17, which amends the General Plan Land Use Map by changing the designation of the Moraga Adobe parcel from residential low density single family to parks and recreation.
The adobe, the oldest residential building in Contra Costa County, has been the subject of a memorandum of agreement between J&J Ranch LLC and the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. J&J Ranch will be building new homes on 14 parcels surrounding the historic adobe, and has agreed to restore the historic building. If they can raise the half million dollar purchase price, the Friends will buy the restored building and allow limited public access to it, particularly to school groups interested in the historical significance of the building.
Residents are concerned about the types of uses that will be allowed, the number of events they may be held annually, and the level of noise and traffic that may result. Although this is covered by the MOA, any future use of the building will be specifically covered by a use permit that may be issued by the city. Should the Friends be unable to raise the purchase price, the structure would be retained by J&J and used as a type of clubhouse for the development.
The ordinance will come back before the council on the same date that the final map for the development is submitted for approval.
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