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Press Release

November 4, 2005

Contact:
Julie Cummins, Education Program Coordinator, 415-543-6771

Greenbelt Alliance Endorses Black Diamond Development

Environmental group says this development "makes sense"

The Black Diamond project, proposed by A.F. Evans Company, Inc., will bring a mix of shops and much-needed housing to Pittsburg's downtown. Greenbelt Alliance, the region's land conservation and urban planning nonprofit organization, believes this is a winning combination, and has sent a letter to the Pittsburg Planning Commission and City Council to say so.

Greenbelt Alliance is endorsing the project because it will revitalize Pittsburg's downtown and create new homes without building on farmland and hillsides outside the city. The project includes 195 housing units of different sizes and types, offering multiple options for local workers and residents. "The density of this project is important to its success and the success of the downtown's retail district," said Julie Cummins, Greenbelt Alliance's Education Program Coordinator. "More people living downtown means more shoppers to support local businesses." The proposed development will also do its part to address the region's affordable housing shortage by including thirty homes to be sold below the market rate.

Greenbelt Alliance, which supports pedestrian-friendly development, also lauds the project because it will create public plazas which will feature local artwork. "The project is designed with the pedestrian in mind," said Cummins. By putting parking away from the main street, Cummins added, the project makes walking safer and more pleasant.

"The Bay Area needs more projects like this one. Putting a mix of shops and homes downtown makes a lot of sense. It means we can revitalize the region's historic downtowns, protect the region's open space, and reduce the need to drive everywhere," said Cummins. And with gas prices at their current levels, that really makes sense.

There is a City Council hearing on Monday, November 7, and a Planning Commission hearing on Tuesday, November 8 to take steps to approve the project.

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For 50 years, Greenbelt Alliance has been the San Francisco Bay Area's advocate for open spaces and vibrant places, with offices in San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Fairfield, and Santa Rosa. www.greenbelt.org