Moraga Center Specific Plan meeting provides clearer vision
By Vera Kochan
During the third MCSP Citizens Advisory Committee meeting held Sept. 19 at the Saint Mary's College Rheem Campus, participants who were tasked to advise about issues involving zoning and development standards were given 80 minutes to discuss 17 topics involving two development scenarios: one with a hillside residential focus and another that leaned toward a mixed-use core.
The groups agreed that both scenarios portrayed full build-out developmental potential allowed under the MCSP and a focus on historic preservation of Moraga Ranch in regards to a proposed hotel. All groups additionally agreed that both scenarios should extend School Street to Moraga Road with a suggestion of roundabouts.
Each group was given the opportunity to present their conclusions to the assemblage through a group spokesperson following the discussion period. Members of the public preferred the mixed-use core for housing allocation, the addition of new retail establishments versus revitalization of existing shopping centers, and 40-foot scenic corridor setbacks on Moraga Way and Moraga Road.
When discussing a pedestrian trail southeast of the creek, the Creek Bridge vote was split between pedestrian only and mixed-vehicle pedestrian, with the public vote wanting a bike-use lane. The hotel location most preferred was at Moraga Ranch and along the interior site on School Street. A suggested possibility was to locate it closer to Saint Mary's College.
The fourth and final CAC meeting was held on Oct. 1, after Lamorinda Weekly went to press. Additional information about the two scenarios can be found at http://www.moraga.ca.us/dept/planning/MCSP
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