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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

October 2, 2002

Learning about Lagoon Valley: Alliance gives informational hearing

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VACAVILLE - People can tour Lagoon Valley Regional Park on Saturday and learn how Vacaville's development plans could affect the area.

The Greenbelt Alliance is sponsoring a "Day in the Park." It will include food, a hike and a presentation on development proposals.

Lagoon Valley is along Interstate 80 between Fairfield and Vacaville. Vacaville annexed the lower valley in 1991, including the regional park.

The city is negotiating with Triad Development about putting homes, a golf course, offices and retail on land near the park. City representatives are scheduled to talk about the proposals at the event.

Vacaville has no map showing specifically what a Triad development might look like, planner Larry Emerson said. The presentation will be more general, he said.

Developing lower Lagoon Valley has long been controversial. A group called Friends of Lagoon Valley is concerned that houses and offices near the park could change the area's rural atmosphere for the worst.

Proponents say that a Triad development could bring Vacaville upscale housing and tax revenues. Meanwhile, the park and hiking areas would remain.

"Day in the Park" organizer Carolyn Douglas doesn't envision the event as a rally or protest. She has a goal of what participants should take away.

"Knowledge," Douglas said. "Awareness of what's happening in the city, so they can make informed decisions."

Natalie DuMont of the Greenbelt Alliance agreed.

"It's not activism or taking positions," DuMont said. "It's an opportunity for the city and public to talk about it and be there in the valley, to be able to see where development might take place and think through these difficult decisions."

Participants are urged to bring a chair, water, walking shoes and a hat. They will meet at the Rotary Grove. The parking fee in the regional park is $3.

The schedule calls for a community potluck from noon to 1 p.m., presentation by Vacaville on development plans from 1 to 2 p.m. and a hike around the lake and into the nearby hills from 2 to 4 p.m.

Barry Eberling can be contacted at beberling@dailyrepublic.net.

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