April 7, 2006

LETTERS2theEDITOR

EIR causes traffic, overcrowding concerns

Editor,
I reviewed the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the proposed Evergreen projects and being an Evergreen resident, I are very concerned about the impact to traffic, especially to 101, overcrowding of schools and parks, having to line up for gas, groceries, and impact to the general quality of life. The developers are advocating unjustified changes to the general plan for Evergreen, replacing a reasonable balance of commercial and residential with an unreasonable number of units, many of them incompatible with the neighborhood homes. 

The EIR is a disservice to the community because it avoided telling the truth by using obscure dissertation language. There are some political forces at play and vested interests that would like to rush to an approval by checking off quickly all the mandated steps of a massive development project.

Furthermore, the EIR completely ignored the cumulative impact of approved 30,000 new houses in North San Jose, about 80,000 planned new houses in South San Jose, of Gilroy and other cities building furiously, and of Silicon Valley businesses ramping up. It appears the advocates for development are treating the same transportation infrastructure as if it was inexhaustible resource. Interstate 101 is fast becoming a parking lot and with even a minor accident, it is a long agonizing wait. For a document that purports to tell us the impact of the proposed development, the EIR did not cover the real alternatives. As an example, there is no consideration for a moratorium on new development until a comprehensive regional transportation plan is prepared.  

Remember that when the developers have completed their projects, sold their units, and made their shareholders happy, we will be left to grapple with all the problems they create. We are not against development; we are in favor of balanced, responsible, and well-planned growth.

Manny
Evergreen Resident

Have an opinion?

Let the Evergreen Times hear from you. In order to be considered, letters must be signed by the author or come with the name in an email and have author’s phone number, which will not be printed. Send letters to bea@timesmediainc.com, or via mail to:

The Evergreen Times
1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107
San Jose, CA 95122