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Home Resource Center April Newswire |
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Greenbelt Newswire
In this edition Tell MTC to uphold pledge to fund livable communities In April, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission passed a long-term plan that called for doubling funding for the Transportation for Livable Communities program and creating a new Transportation Climate Action Campaign. Both of these programs provide much-needed dollars to cities that are planning for more homes and jobs in walkable neighborhoods near transit. But now MTC is backsliding on its promises. The commission is proposing to decrease funding to the livable communities program, and giving the new climate program less than 20% of what their own plan calls for. Take Action: Go to TransForm’s website before September 9th to email the MTC Commissioners with your concerns and ask them to support the Transportation for Livable Communities program!
Multilingual Urban Outing reaches residents With Mandarin and Cantonese translators along, nearly 50 residents and officials participated in a successful Urban Outing August 7 in the Lake Merritt neighborhood. Participants learned about the neighborhood’s hidden history, collectively envisioned ways to help make the area more safe and livable, and listened to an inspiring presentation on affordable housing design by renowned local architect, Mike Pyatok. Key representatives attended, including leaders from a councilmember’s office, BART, the City of Oakland and consultants for the Lake Merritt Specific Plan. The tour was cosponsored with the Asian Pacific Environmental Network and TransForm.
"Underwater" Delta development fight continues In the latest round over a proposed development below sea level, Greenbelt Alliance pressed on with its lawsuit against the City of Oakley on July 24. The hearing, which was scheduled for August 6, was postponed until October to allow more time to review the case. The current lawsuit is a follow-up to one filed in 2005, which required Oakley to address the loss of farmland, which it has yet to do. Field Representative Christina Wong told KPFA, “This is not an area that makes sense for homes because it’s far away from a job center and it threatens the water quality for 25 million Californians. We are building in our delta here.”
Water workshop in San Jose Sept. 22 Clean water and healthy creeks are vital for people and wildlife, and good plans can ensure they are protected. A community conversation about water in San Jose, cosponsored by Greenbelt Alliance and Baykeeper, will describe how to speak up for clean water as the city updates its general plan. The workshop is from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 22 at Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Library, 3090 Alum Rock Avenue in San Jose. For more information, visit www.baykeeper.org or call Michele Beasley at (408) 983-0856.
Marin affordable homes fund saved Marin County’s primary affordable homes fund was spared a proposed revenue cut, thanks to quick action. Greenbelt Alliance and Nonprofit Housing Association staff met with supervisors and addressed the Board to secure a compromise that protected the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Although the supervisors voted to suspend a fee requiring builders of McMansions to pay into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, they added the provision that the County will make up for it by putting $80,000 back into the fund. More work needs to be done in Marin to educate residents about the critical need for homes people of all incomes can afford. To help, contact Whitney Merchant.
A new coalition of Mountain View residents, business owners, and community activists has emerged, spearheaded by Greenbelt Alliance. The Mountain View Coalition for Sustainable Planning is a diverse group that will be advocating for the inclusion of environmentally, economically, and socially responsible principles and policies in the Mountain View General Plan update. The update of the General Plan is a key opportunity to shape the city’s future. The Mountain View Coalition for Sustainable Planning will be working with city leaders and reaching out to the community. Contact Ellie Casson at ecasson@greenbelt.org with any questions. "Earth Days" opens in Bay Area Sept. 11 It may be hard to remember in the age of Al Gore and Obama, but once upon a time, everyone in America was not green. “Earth Days” is a movie documenting the dawn of the environmental movement, and it’s showing Sept. 11 to 13 in San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Rafael. With commentary by Whole Earth Catalog founder Stewart Brand and renewable energy pioneer Hunter Lovins and others, the film recounts the movement’s achievements and missed opportunities. For show times, visit www.earthdaysmovie.com. Volunteer of the Month: Andrew Schroeer The September volunteer of the month is intern Andrew Schroeer. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a B.A. in architecture, Andrew took on a project researching water and its connection to smart growth in the Bay Area. This information demonstrates that cities can build new homes in the face of limited water supply. They also outline how smart growth is essential for limiting water use and protecting our water sources. Using his background in architecture, Andrew designed some beautiful and compelling resources for Greenbelt Alliance field staff and partners. Thanks, Andrew!
Greenbelt Alliance in the News
Sun Sept. 13: Tarantula Trek (East Bay)
Become a Member or Renew Your Membership Support Greenbelt Alliance's work to protect the Bay Area's open spaces and vibrant places. Join or renew now, or join the Greenbelt Guardian monthly donor club. And don't forget to ask your employer about matching contributions!
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