| | Published October 1st, 2008
| Candidates Break Out the Crystal Ball
| | By Cathy Tyson |  | |
We recently wondered aloud what the future might hold for Lamorinda's biggest little city. Who better to ask than those very candidates who hope to play a prominent role in shaping that future? So we got in touch with the four candidates who are vying for the three open seats on the Lafayette City Council and asked them to describe their vision of what Lafayette will look like in ten years. This was meant to address concerns of growth and density, especially relevant with the Strategy for Downtown Lafayette in the works and Association of Bay Area Government's (ABAG) housing requirements. Due to space considerations, these are brief comments. In order to get a better picture of the candidates' positions, see them at the upcoming Candidates Evening hosted by the Lafayette Homeowners Association (see box for details).
Gabriel Froymovich
Challenger Gabriel Froymovich thinks that, "We are at a crucial moment in determining what Lafayette will look like in ten years. If we keep going in our current direction, we will have a drastically different city than we do now." He sees a more congested downtown, more apartment buildings, and fewer single family homes as a proportion of total units. "This is the plan for Lafayette, as laid out by ABAG and our current City Council."
He continues, "We may also have fewer businesses, with a smaller proportion of independent merchants. If the Council does not restrain spending, and instead passes large sales tax increases, some independent businesses will be forced out of town in today's rough economy...Sadly, in the last Lafayette Vistas, the Council stated that they still hope for a sales tax increase."
As the alternative candidate, he hopes to keep all of this from happening. "My ideal future Lafayette is not so different than the present Lafayette: built on healthy neighborhoods and unique businesses, with breathing room and a low crime rate."
Carl Anduri
"What is essential is having a vision now for where we want to be in ten years and having the right leadership to pursue that vision," said incumbent Carl Anduri. If re-elected, he will do what he can so that in the future, "We can continue to enjoy the beauty of our undeveloped ridges, hillsides and open space and our semi-rural, small town ambiance."
Commenting on the need for multi-generational housing where residents can thrive, Anduri notes, "We must find ways to make it possible for our seniors to continue to live in Lafayette and to contribute to our community." Other important factors in his vision include: having a vibrant, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly downtown filled with one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants, expanded recreation facilities with an extensive trail system, an excellent library for life-long learning and great schools to prepare students for the future.
Finally, he wants to be prepared to meet the fiscal challenges of the next ten years. "Our infrastructure, including our neighborhood roads, will be in excellent condition."
Mike Anderson
"Thanks to our comprehensive Hillside and Ridgeline Protection Ordinances, as well as the General Plan, most of Lafayette will look the same as it does today," opines Mayor Mike Anderson.
Although he does sees some potential for growth, "However, there may be development downtown sparked by the new library that will change the area near the Park Theatre and Golden Gate Way, possibly creating a Civic Arts District with walking paths and access to Lafayette. There should also be opportunities for seniors to live in this area near services and activities vital to a healthy lifestyle."
Equally important to Anderson is, "how the city will feel in ten years?" He sees the continuation of the small-town atmosphere, and returning students coming back to settle in the community like their parents did a generation ago. "Because of this, there will continue to be that more-than-chance opportunity that you will encounter a smile or friendly greeting from someone that you may or may not know as you live a day in this wonderful place we call home."
Carol Federighi
"Lafayette's downtown will continue to evolve and revitalize in the next ten years," said incumbent Carol Federighi. "By the end of next year, our much anticipated Lafayette Library and Learning Center will open, making the block at Mt. Diablo, First Street and Golden Gate Way a much livelier, attractive place." She thinks residents are likely to see attractive new development across the street on Golden Gate and anticipates Lafayette Circle will have additional quality retail and restaurants.
Housing growth is also part of her vision, with opportunities especially in the downtown area in the next ten years, "New affordable senior housing units on Mt. Diablo Boulevard near the Forge, luxury condominiums on the site of the Hillside Inn and India Palace, and multi-unit family dwellings at the east end of town, and we are likely to have another condominium project at Town Center III south of BART."
She is hopeful that additional retail and housing in our downtown will be accompanied by enhancements of our creeks; conveniently located additional parking; preservation and restoration of the Park Theatre and a community park. "All improvements will enhance our town's pedestrian friendly atmosphere."
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA