Letter to the Editor
Some local residents have criticized the Berrellessa Palms development proposal left and right, but many ignore the bigger picture.
The Bay Area is at a crossroads. We can house our growing population by building sprawl, destroying our beloved open spaces and fueling climate change by adding more cars to the road. Or we can promote compact development, near shops and transit, that adds to the vitality and character of our communities.
Martinez decision-makers now have a similar choice. Berrellessa Palms features 49 attractive new homes for seniors of modest means in a convenient location near Amtrak and the bus hub.
These seniors will hop on the train to visit family and friends or take the bus to medical appointments with ease. The only way transit service in downtown will increase is through adding more riders, and Berrellessa Palms will do just that.
Seniors and their visitors also will patronize local businesses, contributing to community revitalization, a goal of the Downtown Specific Plan.
Greenbelt Alliance and I, a 21-year Martinez resident, are proud to support Berrellessa Palms and call on the City Council to join us in taking a stand for climate-friendly communities.
Nancy Schaefer, Martinez
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