Group Wants to Keep Alhambra Highlands Project Open Space

A group of Martinez residents are forming an organization to try and purchase 300 acres of property in the Alhambra Hills that is now slated for up to 112 homes. The project, known as the Alhambra Highlands, would require the removal of up to 625 mostly old growth oak trees.

“We are forming an organization to pursue purchasing the land as open space/park land,” said organizer Tim Platt in an email. “We’re going to try.” So far, about 50 pepole have expressed an interest in joining the group, Platt said.

The group, tentatively called the Alhambra Highlands Open Space Committee, will meet for the first time tomorrow  (Sunday, April 3) at 4 p.m. at the United Steel Workers Union Hall, 1333 Pine St.

“The meeting is to get us organized and up to speed before the next Planning Commission meeting on April 12,” Platt said.

At the last Planning Commission meeting, several commissioners supported the housing project, two requested more information, and one – commissioner Harriett Burt – opposed the plan.

Among the concerns of opponents are the removal of the trees, large homes built on scenic ridgelines, potential landslides and damaging the habitat for wildlife now living in the hills.

For more information about the meeting, send an email to ahosc@att.net. The meeting is open to everyone.