On Open Space In Martinez

By Lara E. DeLaney

Martinez has well over 2260 acres of open space within city limits, at last count. This amount far exceeds most community standards for the provision of open space and is something we should be rightfully proud of. However, the preservation of, or enlargement of, our open space areas cannot be taken for granted and, quite often, must be vigorously defended or pursued.

In my time on the City Council, we have encountered numerous occasions when development proposals have come forward for consideration in areas that were either undeveloped or designated open space. In 2007, for example, we faced the prospect of potential development in the Alhambra Hills (between Christie and Lindsey Drives) of 120 acres of open space and spent over $600,000 defending an open space easement.

We have also had to consider the development of the Alhambra Highlands Project, comprised of over 257 acres of undeveloped land that was initially approved for 216 units in 1990. This land was recently discovered to be owned by John Muir and was considered by Hulet Hornbeck, former Chief of Land Acquisition of the East Bay Regional Park District, as one of the most beautiful land tracts he had encountered. Voting to approve this project was a heart-wrenching decision, as we faced the almost-certain prospect of an unaffordable (and likely unwinnable) court battle had we denied it. Nonetheless, I remain committed to the effort to acquire the Alhambra Highlands site for permanent open space protection and believe it can be done with the right leadership, collaborative effort, and community support.

In the future, we will undoubtedly face more controversial development proposals in areas designated or considered open space. At the present time, Martinez has approximately 71 acres of privately owned open space that are protected by zoning only (not under a dedication of scenic easement or under City, EBRPD, or HOA ownership). This total includes the 30 acre Pine Meadows site, which has been proposed for development. Proposals such as these will require thoughtful consideration by the community and the Council and difficult choices to be made, for which my years on the Council have prepared me.