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Letters: Bad compromise

Dear Editor,

Please vote No on Measure D and the Oak Grove project. PBS recently aired the Ken Burns' documentary, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." It illustrated the grand struggle to preserve natural beauty without bad compromises. Oak Grove represents a bad compromise. It violates Measure PP, which prevents future ridgeline development and was passed by an overwhelming majority of Pleasanton's voters. The project pre-dates Measure PP and is only on the ballet because three members of City Council with close ties to the developer continue to support it (despite the subsequent passing of PP). Can you imagine if Yosemite National Park was a short trail through the valley exchanged for a 12,000-square-foot mansion atop a flattened Half Dome, after 43 feet were graded off the top? The southeast hills of Pleasanton are indeed on a smaller scale, but just as precious to the city of Pleasanton.

Yes, developments provide funds to the city, but a more environmentally sound project in compliance with Measure PP could have the same economic benefit that is provided by future homeowners (not the developer).

Do not be deceived by the media blitz paid for by the developers (a development conglomerate, not a small Pleasanton family rancher). Please vote No.

Lou Astbury