Magee Preserve Critics, Supporters Make Their Cases: Danville

DANVILLE, CA — Unsure of how you want to vote on Measure Y, the controversial March 2020 ballot initiative to allow development of 29 acres near the intersection of Diablo, Green Valley and McCauley Roads? The Danville City Clerk has posted the arguments of the measure's proponents and opponents, as DanvilleSanRamon.com reported. And the City Attorney has offered his own impartial analysis.

Let's start with the basics.

What is Measure Y?

Measure Y would allow 69 single-family lots on 29 acres on the Magee Preserve property — a 410-acre site on the south side of Diablo Road and Blackhawk Road extending approximately two miles east from the intersection of Diablo Road/Green Valley Road/McCauley Road. The other 381 acres would be permanent open space with dedicated hiking and biking trails for public use.

The current zoning on the site is a mix of agricultural, agricultural preserve and planned unit development, according to the City Attorney's analysis.

The Town Council approved the project in July 2019, but some voters objected and successfully petitioned to put the issue on the March 2020 ballot. A "yes" vote means you support the development, while a "no" vote means you don't support the development.

The case for Measure Y

Here are some of the upsides of Measure Y, according to the supporters:

• Miles of new public hiking trails managed by the East Bay Regional District, including the addition of a connection between Mount Diablo State Park and Sycamore Valley Regional Park;
• $1.6 million in annual tax revenue for Danville's schools, public safety and community services;
• Improvements to Diablo Road at Green Valley Road/McCauley Road and Mt. Diablo scenic intersections;
• Protection of miles of Green Valley Creek and areas used by wildlife;
• Extension of the paved bike/pedestrian trail along Diablo Road;
• No future development allowed on ridgelines and hillsides on the property; and
• More emergency access to and from the area, in case of a wildfire.

Read the full case for Measure Y here.

The case against Measure Y

Here are some of the downsides of Measure Y, according to the opponents:

• An estimated additional 841 cars will be traveling along the often-gridlocked, narrow and windy Diablo Road each day, meaning a possible increase in traffic and traffic hazards;
• San Ramon Valley Unified School District schools are overcrowded and the Magee project could mean diversions for students;
• Lost open space in areas of development; and
• Evacuations in case of a wildfire could be difficult with increased traffic.

Read the full case against Measure Y here.

Go here for more information on the March 2020 election or registering to vote.