Youth Issues (Skatepark), Open Space, and Town Center

By Dennis Cunnane

Status report on Youth Issues, Skatepark proposal, Open Space, Mulholland Ridge, Palos Colorados, and Town Center proposal.

While many of the ideas for youth did go from idea to action, the skatepark idea was the most difficult one primarily because of the significant cost, and the need for an appropriate site. After studying various Lamorinda sites it was determined by a site committee that the Moraga Commons was the best site for several reasons, including accessibility.

I am presently in support of building a skatepark. Wheel sports, including rollerblades, skate boards, BMX bikes, and now scooters, continue to be very popular sports for young people, yet they are prohibited in most public areas. Ths issues of liability and insurance have been carefully studied, and we have been infomed by our insurace pool that liability claims have not been a problem. Presently, the three towns are discussing financing on a shared basis, which would include some private fundraising. Over $20,000 has been privately raised to date.

The primary issue at this time is where would be an appropriate site. The consensus of a majority of the Council, including me, is to have the Planning Commission study a site that is adjacent to the basketball courts in the Commons. If the site is inappropriate, then other locations will be considered, such as the area across the street from the commons near the Town signboard, which is owned by the Town.

Approaches to Preserving Open Space: I have supported a multi-level approach to open space procurement. First, if certain criteria are met I support the acceptance of open space donations, such as the 250 acre Mulholland Ridge donation which was accepted. Secondly, I support planning and obtaining permanent scenic easements of portions of developments, which has been accomplished in certain areas of our Town. Thirdly, I support acquiring open space through different means, including purchasing of trail easements, purchasing non-development or scenic easements, or outright purchase. There are several possible approaches that are being considered, including joint action with Lafayette and Orinda, setting up an open space trust or district, and being ready for any grant money that may become available from the recently voter approved statewide bond issues. I supported the change of the status of our facilities fund to include the subject of open space which increases the Town's ability to have matching funds ready to take advantage of any grants that become available. Also, I included three specific areas for special protection in the General Plan review, and I anticipate they will be approved. Finally, as mayor I am presently collaborating with Town staff to prepare an inventory map which will note all undeveloped open space areas, and will describe what the legal status is of each area. This map will assist the Town in making future open space decisions.

Moraga Open Space Ordinance: I support the Moraga Open Space Ordinance (MOSO), which is a voter approved law (Measure A - 1986). I opposed the Palos Colorados development proposal because it did not comply with MOSO. The project was actually given an exemption to MOSO. Eventually, the developer agreed to comply with MOSO as part of a legal settlement, which resulted in a significant modification of the project. Included in the modified plan is four miles of trails, four viewpoints, preservation of Coyote Gulch, protection of significant wildlife areas, and the introduction of wildlife corridors. Lafayette received promises that development would not be visible from the two ridgelines that face portions of their town. The reduced number of housing units, 123 from 146, decreased the traffic impacts. As the process moves into the next phase I believe the most important job of our Town government is to make sure Richland does not change any of the details.

Uses for Mulholland Ridge Open Space: It has been my idea to start a committee of citizens and members of the Town government to begin the process of making decisions on uses for the Mulholland Ridge parcel. The committee has been approved, and will probably start this month. The Council has appointed me to the committee. The Town accepted the property with a deed restriction that the property could not be developed, and can only be used for open space and recreational purposes. I presently anticipate that the use of the area will be primarily for hiking, bicycling, picnicking, enjoying views, and wildlife viewing. Horseback riding may also be permitted. I anticipate that the local schools will probably use the area for environmental education. I support preserving certain important wildlife habitat, such as the Black Forest area and other heavily wooded areas. Finally, I believe there will be some coordination with Orinda which owns the adjacent 130 acre Oaks Open Space park, so that people can hike continuously in both areas, which will give the feeling of one large regional open space park.

Town Center: The concept of a Town Center had been studied numerous times, and the last survey showed strong support for a facility that would house the police, planning, administration, and would include a gym/multipurpose building. The Town presently has its planning offices and police in rented space that is cramped and substandard for their needs. The Town managers office is located in a different location. The Town has inadequate indoor recreation space. The present planning effort is to solve these shortcomings with a plan for a Town Center that would accommodate each of these needs. I have supported the plan to date. The actual details as to financing is still in the discussion stage, with another meeting scheduled this month. There are several options being considered. The Moraga-Orinda Fire Department is possibly interested in including their administrative office in the complex. I assume that a bond or some form of public financing will be necessary. I support the two-thirds vote requirement for any public funding proposals.