Save Davis Greenbelts
Friends of the Greenbelts / Davis, California
City Council approves compromise, grants landmark designation
to pine grove
Habitat for wildlife
Shady, traffic-free path to Birth Lane Elementary School
Mature trees offer canopy of leaves
Habitat for wildlife
The issues
Davis doesn't sell its greenbelts
Or at least it never has before. But right now, a developer is seeking approval from the Planning Commission for a project that would augment a parcel of private property with about half an acre of designated public greenbelt in Wildhorse.
01
What will the City Council vote on?
On June 16, the City Council is expected to vote on the latest proposal from Taormino & Associates, "Alternative Plan E." Friends of the Greenbelts supports this plan with a recent amendment submitted by the developer, "Option 1." This amended proposal would enhance the easterly greenbelt by bringing the complete grove of Canary Island pines into public ownership, provide for a row of trees along the westerly greenbelt, and swap the northerly greenbelt for a strip of land along Covell Boulevard for pedestrian and bicycle use. It would mitigate traffic and parking impacts, and build six houses on the site. Neighbors and concerned citizens are working with City Staff to ensure the trees' drip lines and sensitive root zones are adequately protected under this plan.
02
Is there a policy governing the sale of greenbelts?
No. If designated public greenbelt were sold to the developer of the "Paso Fino" project, it would take place in the absence of policy spelling out the criteria for selling public greenbelts or parks, whether such sales should be subject to competitive bidding, how the proceeds would be spent, and other important questions that should be addressed in a thoughtful way with broad community involvement. Such transactions should not be reached exclusively with one well-connected developer.
03
I've heard that the greenbelt in question isn't "real" greenbelt.
The public land that developers seek to annex for the "Paso Fino" project in Wildhorse is designated as "neighborhood greenbelt." It is a three-quarter-acre, U-shaped stretch of urban forest connecting Covell and Moore Boulevards. Its 70-some trees offer a shady, tranquil path for people to walk and bike between Wildhorse and Birch Lane Elementary School, Nugget Market, and other destinations. The rows of mature walnuts are a remnant of our agricultural past, and the towering pines are among the oldest, tallest trees in the neighborhood. One of the pines is a frequent nesting site for Swainson's hawks.
04
Are other greenbelts in Davis at risk?
Yes. Some Planning Commissioners at a May 29, 2014, hearing suggested that in their view, not all greenbelts are worthy of preservation. They suggested that only long, linear greenbelts with lawn and concrete paths are "real" greenbelt. If they can sell ours, they can sell yours. See examples.
05
06
What about the need for densification?
The "Paso Fino" project raises important questions about densification. What should densification look like? Urban planners and landscape architects have varied views. Some say that densification should be focused on city and town centers, arguing that on the outskirts of towns people will always expect more space. This vision means adding stories above strip malls for apartments, for example. Many planners emphasize that densification is not an end in itself: Its goal should be to make cities more walkable in order to reduce car trips and greenhouse gas omissions, and to reduce pressure to build on agricultural land. John Mott Smith wrote a provocative column about what responsible densification of the "Paso Fino" site might look like. As a group, we recognize the need for densification. But we don't think it needs to come at the expense of public open space. As one resident who signed our online petition wrote, "As we densify, greenbelts will be our backyards and front yards. They need to be saved."
07
What about the Swainson's hawk?
Some of Davis' oldest and tallest trees are located on the proposed "Paso Fino" site. One of these, a majestic Canary Island pine, is home to a nesting Swainson's hawk, photographed at right by Wildhorse resident Chris Coil. If the developers are going to acquire any public land, they must move these pines into public ownership in exchange. Read the Sierra Club Yolano Group statement.
Isn't this just typical "NIMBY"-ism?
No. We understand the vital importance of responsible infill and unanimously support subdividing the site. We just don't think infill should be at the expense of designated public greenbelt and urban forest. We believe that sacrificing irreplaceable public open space -- especially in the absence of policy to guide such a decision -- is bad precedent. Infill projects also must provide adequately for parking, and should not create traffic hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
08
09
Who is the developer?
Jason Taormino and Steve Boschken are partners in the planned "Paso Fino" development. Jason's father, Dave Taormino, is co-owner/broker at Coldwell Banker Doug Arnold Real Estate in Davis. Steve Boschken is very active in Davis City Council politics. His father, Herman Boschken, is a member of the City of Davis Planning Commission.