Questions about proposed housing development

September 29, 2004

In the Sept. 15 article regarding the proposed development of 93 homes at the intersection of D Street and Windsor Drive, the Davidon Homes representative stated that an active play area with ball fields is not feasible because of the hilly terrain.

The statement is somewhat disingenuous considering the availability of a sizable portion of flat land located at the southwest corner of D Street and Windsor Drive that could easily accommodate such a recreation area. In fact, the city's Recreation, Music and Parks Commission made exactly that recommendation to Davidon Homes earlier in the year.

As outlined in a memorandum dated March 3, 2004, Parks and Recreation Director Jim Carr met with Davidon Homes and made specific recommendations to the developer including "É an active park at the site, to be able to accommodate softball, baseball and tennis É at least six acres in size, and located in the flat portion of the property, in the vicinity of the existing ranch house." Mr. Carr further stated that the commission does not recognize the proposed open space along the creek corridor as meeting dedication requirements for park acreage.

However, in order to utilize that flat property for recreational use, Davidon Homes probably would have to eliminate a dozen or so homes currently planned on that level property. To date, Davidon Homes has failed to address the commission's recommendations. Until the developer does so, one can only venture that this oversight is not due to purported feasibility issues but rather because Davidon Homes does not want to reduce the number of homes in the development and, of course, its potential profits.

SCOTT LOVELESS, Petaluma