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The Issue
The Masonic Homes of California is planning to develop the flat lands along Mission Blvd , from Whipple Road to O'Connell Lane . The plan is a mix of rental and for-sale housing, retail space and community facilities. They are currently seeking support from the Union City City Council and local residents.
10 Reasons to Not Allow Masonic Home Development
1. Violates voter decision to preserve Hillside Area
-In 1996, Voters already decided to not develop this area.
2. Too close to the Hayward Fault
-With earthquake faults, closeness only counts in miles, not feet.
3. Is this development necessary?
-There are many other locations that are already planned for development.
-Alvarado Square only has 2 of 16 retail units occupied, showing that there is no need for additional retail space.
-Union Square and the BART Station District is an underutilized retail and residential center 1/2 mile away from the proposed development.
-The current inventory of housing and retail in Union City is greater than what is needed due to vacancies and foreclosures.
4. Last remaining agricultural land in Union City
5. Development is contrary to the carbon emission goals that Union City has set.
6. Development is permanent and irreversible and views of the hills will be obstructed.
7. This development is not favored by local residents and the increased tax revenue will not pay for the fair share of police, fire and other costly city services.
8. This development is not compatible with the three adjacent historic properties (Dry Creek Regional Park and Cottage, the horse ranch and the Masonic Home).
9. Storm water runoff from the rooftops and streets of the proposed development has the potential to increase flooding in the Decoto Neighborhood and hundreds of homes along the creek channel, Line M, before storm water discharges into Alameda Creek.
10. Compatible development for this property are open space and recreational uses such as the examples noted below:
-event center, botanical garden, winery, golf course, soccer and baseball fields, outdoor amphitheater, regional park, sustainable agriculture and organic farming, other similar uses.
These compatible developments can be explored by the City of Union City, the East Bay Regional Park District and the Masonic Home to leverage millions in funds from Measure WW passed by the voters in November 2008.