October 21, 2016
Of
Page 5
Planning for growth no cause for panic
edi birSan
PulSe
Concord Pioneer • www.concordpioneer.com
COnCOrd
For a large number of residents, growth is an unwelcome change. Infill projects are met with opposition. Any housing project larger than a two-bedroom house for an octogenarian and a cat is treated as an abomination that is going snarl traffic, pollute the air and drive down the quality of life. The idea of more residences brings a cacophony of horror stories of gentrification, affordable ghettos or sixstory buildings blocking out the sun and casting whole streets into darkness. Some of the fears are valid. Increased population comes with a lot of potential problems. It is reasonable to question the impact of traffic and
the competition for parking. However, not to provide for growth means our children cannot raise their families in our neighborhoods because there is no room. Suppression of housing stock exasperates prices, and the kids may no longer just boomerang – they may never leave. I grew up and lived in New York City for 26 years. It’s the most urbanized city in the country for the last 200 years running ... or walking very fast. Concord is not moving in that direction. Concord has incorporated large spurts of positive growth through our history. From 1950 to 1960, we went from 6,953 to 36,208 and then to 85,164 10 years later. We managed to put a 14-story apartment building (and its eightstory little sister) next to Todos Santos Plaza without the downtown turning into Times Square. Can we take a few six-story buildings with a 1,000 more
residences? The investors who are putting millions at stake believe so. The combined overview of the risks to the environment and traffic conditions as reflected in past developed General and Specific plans also seem to support it. Technology in terms of new transportation options and work opportunities also dangle before us to encourage us to take bold strokes. I look forward to the development of commercial and retail spaces, so that we do not all travel to San Francisco or Oakland for work. We need more jobs right here in Concord. The fears won’t disappear as the shovels hit the ground. But we do have a system of listening and making adjustments and, in the brutal world of our economic system, a real check on the wisdom of where people put their money.
We specialize in educating you to improve and maintain your wellness
Send comments to EdiBirsan @gmail.com or 510-812-8180 or visit www.PulseOfConcord.com
Monument Democrats leader shuts down club PEGGY SPEAR Concord Pioneer
One of the most significant voices in the Monument Corridor will go quiet when neighborhood activist George Fulmore temporarily suspends the Monument Democratic Club. Fulmore founded the
group to help the area’s residents get involved in the political process. He discovered that there was more than just a need for “excellence in public education, affordable health care, jobs and a living wage, affordable housing, equal rights and opportunities, essential city services, the preservation of Social Securi-
• We boast one of the most comprehensive supplement departments in Northern California.
ty and Medicare.” He said residents required more information on how the city of Concord works and what services it can offer to residents. “Many [people] I’ve met simply needed to better understand that they have a
• Our vast bulk foods section includes over 700 items — nuts, grains, spices, herbs, and more.
See Club, page 6
Coldwell Banker San francisco Bay Area Top 100 Agent & international President's Circle Award Recipient
• Locally owned and operated for 39 years
new
8001 kelok way
Highly sought after single level Oakhurst Country Club home. 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 lovely baths — PLUS den PLUS office! Chef kitchen with commercial cooktop, gorgeous raised hearth, beautiful landscaped corner lot. Offered at $835,000
www.8001kelokway.com
175 mt. Vernon drive
new
Clayton There is room for everyone in this 5 bedroom, 2 and 2half bath Dana Hills Home. Master suite AND 2nd bedroom downstairs! Extra large country kitchen, huge lot! www.175mtVernondrive.com
2395 Monument Blvd. Concord (925) 676-2305
Find us on
Like us on
5545 merritt drive
new
rittdrive.com
www.45elmolinodrive.com
gorgeous view home with fabulous updates throughout — Custom country kitchen featured on ‘Clayton Kitchen Tour’! 5 bedrooms/2.5 remodeled baths, sparkling pool, spa, pool house, rv/boat pkg/sport area. Best views of Mt. Diablo! Offered at $848,888
45 el molino drive
109 mt. trinity Court
ViewS
Call me about my COming SOOn homes in Clayton!
STEPHANIE LOPEZ
ASP Stager@ / Relocation Specialist
925.305.9099
www.HousesbyStephanie.com Realtor®, BRE#01370548
2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com
15% off any Grocery Purchase
Harvest House Coupon
Present this coupon in store to receive 15% off your grocery purchase. Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Nov. 30, 2016.
Pending
this quintessential Clayton home has everything you are looking for — 5 generous sized bedrooms, 3 full baths, impressive formal spaces, elegant curved stairwell, 3 bay windows, 2 balconies, and dream location with BEST grounds- pool, spa, gazebo, full sport court, and all of Mt. Diablo right at your view back yard! Offered at $985,000
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am-8 pm Saturday 9 am-7 pm Sunday 10 am-7 pm
www.Harvesthouse.com
fantastic Price $800,000
Clayton/Concord view border — Feels like a view resort! Over 2850 sf w/ 4 HUGE bedrooms 2.5 remodeled baths. Fantastic kitchen w: high-end appliances and finishes. Master bath spa, warm hardwood, 2 stone hearths, Windows all around bring in Tahoe style natural views. .39 acre landscaped oasis!www.5545merOffered at $839,000
www.109mttrinityCourt.com
Harvest House
2395 Monument Blvd., Concord (925) 676-2305 www.Harvesthouse.com
Brought to you by the Concord Pioneer.
25% off
any Supplement Purchase
Harvest House Coupon
Present this coupon in store to receive 25% off your supplement purchase. Excludes sale items, books and cosmetics. Offer not to be combined with other coupons or discount offers. Expires Nov. 30, 2016. Brought to you by the Concord Pioneer.