Editor:

68,000. That is the number of homes planned for Oakley. Almost double the current amount that exists in Oakley today.

As I drive around that city, I imagine what this will look like and I am saddened. As I envision the crowded schools and traffic problems to come, I am worried. I am particularly worried about the density of the developments that are lurking in our future.

The Land Use Element of the General Plan for Oakley describes building intensity and population density; the expectations of the citizens of Oakley and the protection of the varied remaining agricultural activities of Oakley, while ensuring a strong physical connection to the Delta.

For every house we build there is a new car put on the road while people commute to other parts of the Bay Area to work. The more people, the greater the impact on the Delta and the surrounding environment. Removing agriculture and open space by adding high-density developments will not enhance the quality of living here or preserve our small-town feel.

At least 2,400 people in the city of Oakley are concerned also. The Committee To Stop Rosewood collected signatures to let the City Council know the proposed density at Rose and Laurel was not what we expected in our city. The council was forced to listen.

Yet the City Council of Oakley is moving forward with the rezoning of Rosewood Estates – even after 2,400 people signed a petition to say they wanted to lower the density from high to medium per the guidelines in the Land Use Element of the General Plan.

The council voted to accept a zoning standard from the county guidelines that Discovery Builders put before them.

We need to say No to the growth in our city and have a comprehensive review of our General Plan to get input from the current residents of Oakley. A review is long overdue.

I truly do want a place for families to live in the heart of the Delta.

Denise Morford, Oakley