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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

October 22, 2005

Housing project ripped, defended

"Unfortunately, the opposition has waged a campaign of misinformation," Pardee representative Carlene Matchniff said during the debate, sponsored by Tri-Valley Community Television TV 30.

Despite what Pardee critics contend, Matchniff said Livermore already needs a third high school for which Pardee would provide the land. And she disputed claims that the 130-acre sports park Pardee would give to the community would leave the local park district with operational deficits.

But City Council candidate John Marchand, on a panel opposing Pardee, said the Livermore Trails project -- proposed north of Interstate 580 west of Springtown -- would be costly to taxpayers and worsen traffic congestion.

"Measure D is an experiment, and Livermore is the guinea pig," Marchand said. "Developers are hoping for a new era where they can change zoning by buying elections."

Others debating for Pardee were Chamber of Commerce President Jim Ott and school board member Bill Morrison. Joining Marchand in opposition were Councilman Tom Reitter, along with David Reid of the Greenbelt Alliance.

"A 'no' vote on Measure D is another way of saying no to 11,000 kids who are waiting for a sports park," Ott said. "It's a way of saying no to seniors and affordable housing, no to reducing at least some traffic on 580 (by reducing commutes over the Altamont), and no to supporting our schools and our children."

Ott said that with Pardee proposing to build on 450 acres and to provide 750 acres of public open space in addition to the other facilities, "This is a huge gift we've been given."

But Reid said the proposed development, with open space to the north and west, is an example of "sprawl."

"It is not a model for smart growth," he said, complaining that while the initiative says shuttle service to BART and downtown will be provided, there are few specifics.

Voter approval is required for any urban development north of Livermore city limits, thanks to Alameda County's successful Measure D open space initiative approved by county voters in 2000, and to Livermore's subsequent City Council approval of a growth boundary addressing city annexations.

Another matter of debate Thursday was what voter approval would actually obligate the city, and Pardee, to do.

Pardee still would have to go through a city-approval process with public hearings and environmental reviews, which supporters said would subject it to traffic mitigations and other conditions beyond those listed in the initiative.

But opponents argued that developer promises not specified in the initiative are not guaranteed, and that much would depend on the City Council in power.

Bonita Brewer covers the city of Livermore. Reach her at bbrewer@cctimes.com or 925-847-2120.

ON THE AIR

The debate will be aired on cable TV Channel 30 at 5 p.m. today and Sunday, and at various other times prior to the Nov. 8 election. Check listings at tv30.org.

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