E. BoyerHow saddened I was to read in a past issue of the Post that legal action was being considered in the Blair Park/Moraga Canyon project/issue. Funny, isn't it? A project for some and an issue for others.
There are times when I scarcely understand our society. With so many calamitous issues screaming out for involvement these days, how could this be the one to evoke such rage? A lawsuit? Pardon me whilst I retch.
Certainly we are the laughing stock in places less fortunate. "Those poor, dear FOMC. Can you imagine the pro-Blair Parkers wanting to have a children's sports field donated to a city whose reputation and existence depends on its ability to attract families with children? The very idea! If I were in their shoes I'd sue the pants off that horrible city for agreeing to such a thing!" I think anyone in favor of such a suit should be carted off to live in Richmond or West Oakland for a month so that they might gain some perspective on what constitutes a real community problem, something worthy of a lawsuit. Never mind that the City and the majority of its residents have determined the project worthy. Nope. We want things our way and we'll stomp our feet until we get it! And, if that doesn't work, we'll behave like grown-up spoiled brats and file a lawsuit. Little wonder that our town is plagued with the reputation of having spoiled children when the grown-ups display similar behavior.
There is one reason the FOMC are opposed to the Blair Park project and that is that they simply don't want it. They cite things such as traffic, environmental issue and safety, but do we really think that suddenly parents will hurl their children out into oncoming traffic so they aren't late for soccer practice or let them run in the street with reckless abandon because there's a new sports field? Are the FOMC suddenly so committed to the cause of the environment that they're prepared to tow the line for this forlorn strip of earth? If so, wouldn't it make sense to tear down all the houses that currently exist in Moraga Canyon to restore it to its original and intended splendor? The idea that there are Save Moraga Canyon signs in front of those houses is offensive in its hypocrisy. Part of living in a community is that you often go along with things that are good for the entire community, not just things that are 100% to your liking. We're all guilty of selfishness at times. But, if community improvement projects have you so riled-up that you're openly behaving like a jackass, a place exists where you can happily dwell. It’s called the "outskirts." That way you can have a property large enough so that kids and sports fields won't encroach upon your space.
Piedmont's reputation and survival is dependent upon its ability to attract families with children. This isn't revelatory information for anyone living here. If there aren't adequate amenities comparable to those in neighboring communities, the opposed-to-everything groups may very well get what they want...a nice neighborhood with no noise, no kids and no facilities.
But, be careful what you wish for, FOMC. With better facilities and supportive residents in neighboring communities, Piedmont's kids and their families may just go away. And when they do, they'll take our and your property values with them.
