Letters to the editor

I love the green hills of Lafayette. We have lived here over 38 years and we never tire of the beauty of this place. The hills and trees are part of our City's logo. We even have a hillside ordinance to protect this wonderful landscape.

That is why I am in favor of taking down the crosses in front of the BART station. They served a purpose for a time. But they now look more like an eyesore. Let's bring back one of the more prominent hills of our city to be part of the natural landscape that is our town.

Bob Russell

Lafayette

For Lafayette's Housing Plan, there is a better way!

On Monday October 23rd, Lafayette City Council will consider plans for multiple tall buildings (over 6 stories) downtown to satisfy the State's "Regional Housing Needs Allocation" RHNA. Our bi-partisan group of Lafayette Citizens believes there are better ways. Please support these alternatives that will meet state requirements while keeping Lafayette's charming, small-town ambiance.

PLAN A - Focus on the Downtown Core

Put added housing where it is most accessible to Lafayette's shopping district, transit hub, and other amenities. This option avoids up-zoning in residential neighborhoods and the downtown district, except for the area along Highway 24 between First Street (Whole Foods) and Risa Road (Lafayette Veterans Center).

Plan A uses actual yields from approved 2020-2023 Lafayette multi-family residential projects (which yield 120% of the zoned maximum housing units) to forecast housing production in the next 8-year cycle, versus the state's arbitrary, older, low-yield projects. The state housing authority (HCD) claims we cannot consider any project that uses legally available density bonuses (950 Hough Street recently approved with 20 units at 0.43 acres is 133% of the allowable density). Plan A also embraces state efforts to up-zone places of worship for those near downtown and Mount Diablo Boulevard.

PLAN B - Expanded Living on the West End

If the State forces Lafayette to use an 88% yield rate, the City can still preserve Mount Diablo Boulevard and the greater Downtown Zones by utilizing the 62-acre DeSilva South property (across from Oakwood) that the owner has expressed interest in developing. Amenities include proximity to Lafayette Reservoir, Oakwood, and easy freeway access, which is important amid wildfire concerns. Bart and shopping would be an easy walk. Zoning 35 units/acre on 15.7 acres of DeSilva South would allow an option for playfields and 40% wooded hillside open space. Also, this would include FBO housing as for Plan A.

Plans A and B are better solutions. Ask the City Council to preserve downtown at cityhall@lovelfayette.org Use this link to find links to an informational Housing Town Hall Saturday 10/14/23 at 4PM: https://bit.ly/LafayetteHousing

Robert Lavoie

Lafayette



		print story Before you print this article, please remember that it will remain in our archive for you to visit anytime. download pdf (use the pdf document for best printing results!)
		Comments
		Send your comment to: info@lamorindaweekly.com Reach the reporter at: info@lamorindaweekly.com

		This article was published on Page A8:

Quick Links for LamorindaWeekly.com
Home Archive Advertise send artwork to: ads@lamorindaweekly.com Classified ads Lamorinda Service Directory About us and How to Contact us Submit Letter to the Editor Send stories or ideas to: storydesk@lamorindaweekly.com Send sports stories and photos to: sportsdesk@lamorindaweekly.com Subscribe to receive a delivered or mailed copy Subscribe to receive storylinks by email	Content Civic Lafayette Moraga Orinda MOFD Life Sports Schools Business Food Our Homes Letters/Opinions Calendar
Copyright Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA