Latest News
Concord City Council adopts plan for former naval station
The Concord plan to preserve open space and put more homes near transit has passed another milestone. The Concord City Council voted 3-2 on February 23 to certify the environmental impact report and adopt the Clustered Villages alternative as the preferred reuse plan for the former Concord Naval Weapons Station. Greenbelt Alliance and the Community Coalition for a Sustainable Concord are pleased with the overall outcome.
Although our specific recommendations were not included, the City Council agreed with Greenbelt Alliance and expressed support for a strong Climate Action Plan, fewer single-family homes, and a commitment to providing local jobs. Greenbelt Alliance and the coalition are optimistic for the next phase: developing the necessary General Plan amendments.
Success! Rezoning approved to make room for workers in Pleasanton
The Pleasanton City Council narrowly voted October 20 to rezone 32 acres of commercial properties for homes at a critical transportation hub. Greenbelt Alliance argued successfully that the Hacienda Business Park, adjacent to the Pleasanton BART station, is a great place for workers’ homes.
The threat of legal action also swayed the council members to do the right thing. The State Attorney General challenged the city’s housing cap limiting growth, which ultimately forced workers to commute long distances to their jobs. The door is open now for the construction of houses for people of all income levels.
SUCCESS! Greenbelt Alliance wins lawsuit against the City of Oakley to protect farmland
Greenbelt Alliance won its lawsuit to protect farmland in the City of Oakley. In a precedent-setting decision announced on October 1, 2009 Superior Court Judge Barry Baskin ruled against the City of Oakley, denying its request to move forward with its plan to build a 5,000 houses on Delta floodplain and on more than 1,600 acres of farmland. The lawsuit repealed the environmental impact report for the East Cypress Corridor project; thus, effectively blocking the development. Additionally, the court ordered the City to fully compensate for the loss of agriculture. This is a huge victory for the Bay Area and the state because this case sends a clear message that public agencies cannot circumvent the intention of the California Environmental Quality Act. Cities cannot just pave over farmland without compensating for that loss.
Read the court's decision here.
Learn more about the campaign and our lawsuit here.
Campaigns in the News
For all press coverage, visit our clippings page. For individual campaigns, see list at left. Also, learn about this region's sustainable developments endorsed by Greenbelt Alliance.
10/9/09 Judge puts brakes on Oakley development
(East Bay) Oakley Press
10/5/09 Morning Show: Successful Lawsuit in Oakley
(Bay Area) KPFA
10/3/09 Judge stops subdivision near delta levees
(Bay Area) San Francisco Chronicle
10/3/09 Judge blocks Development of Homes
(Sacramento) CBS 13; Associated Press
10/2/09 Greenbelt Alliance wins suit against Oakley
(East Bay) Contra Costa Times, Oakland Tribune
2/2/09 Concord Base Reuse Plan Departs from Suburbia
California Planning & Redevelopment Report
1/14/09 Concord leaders approve plan for former military base
(East Bay) Contra Costa Times
1/04/09 Pittsburg, developer looking into land trade
(South Bay) Mercury News and (East Bay) Contra Costa Times
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