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Measure A is important because it prevents proliferation of mutiple unit dwellings, which arguably have a greater impact on traffic than single family homes. Measure A also fosters historic preservation by preventing conversion of large single family homes (e.g., Victorians) into apartment units, which was part of the original impetus that led to the Measure A initiative. Going forward, it is important for Alamedans to work together on residential development issues as an alternative to developer-backed efforts to overturn Measure A. This means that we should keep an open mind to creative compromises that speak to our interests. Whether you're a supporter of Measure A or a smart-growth/affordable-housing advocate, there may be a middle ground that would speak effectively to everyone's interests, but we'll never know if we're not open to the possibility. In this spirit, can we acknowledge that the primary practical interests are traffic impacts, affordable and diverse housing options, historic/cultural preservation, and overall quality of life? Is there a way to address the concerns of Measure A supporters relative to traffic impacts and historical/cultural preservation that also speaks to the concerns of smart growth and affordable housing advocates? Click here to read about an idea I have for a possible compromise. |