Here's where I stand: No Albany casino & No on 68. No waterfront mall - let's expand the Eastshore State Park.
- Development on the Waterfront
I support park and open space on the Albany shoreline and I oppose the current efforts to bring more development to our waterfront. We need to stop Golden Gate Fields' plan for large scale development (as large as 8 Costco's). The proposed new developments would forever block opportunities to expand the Eastshore State Park. Rather than give the impression that they are willing to accept and consider any development proposal, our city council members need to be sending developers the clear understanding that the Albany shoreline is a place for parks not for a development.
- No on Prop 68 and No Casino at Golden Gate Fields
Equally bad, the racetrack backs Proposition 68, which would permit a casino with more slot machines than at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The track is also surveying public opinion about the establishment of a large Indian casino.
- The City Council should be providing decisive leadership on these important issues. To date they have not. Imagine how a massive casino would affect our small town character and impact merchants on Solano Avenue. These projects could also impact crime rates, impact municipal services, threaten school safety and worsen traffic congestion.
- Support for Citizens for the Eastshore State Park/Sierra Club Plan: Last year I worked with the Citizens for the Eastshore State Park (CESP) and the Sierra Club on a concept plan for our waterfront. The plan calls for 85% of the racetrack property to be placed into the Eastshore State Park for open space, as well as allowing limited development nearer the freeway to safeguard current revenues to the City and School District. This plan will allow the community to remain financially whole. Revenues from the race track would more than be replaced should the track leave Albany. In the meantime, while the track remains, we should support the efforts of the State Parks and the East Bay Regional Park District in acquiring any excess lands from the track, for example the unused parking areas. We can expand the beach, improve access and convert parts of the parking lot into park. This approach was very successful in acquiring the Gilman Street parking lot for much needed ballfields. The City of Albany can do all this. We just need direction and commitment. It is wrong for the City to allow Magna to run the planning agenda for our waterfront.
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