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73 She then read the petition. She explained the traffic problems in this area that would only get worse. The main concern was that this parcel is backed by a creek and a water shed area. Any additional buildings and people would be extremely destructive to birds, small animals, and aquatic species. The combination of these serious concerns should negate any residential plans. Ms. Bacon said that the neighborhood was asking that this parcel be created into a park-like plaza. (A plan was given to Council for review.) She described what the park would look like. Mayor Mercer explained that approval had not been given to the Rotary Club. It was a conceptual approval. If the Council continued to support the process there would be at least three opportunities for people to voice their comments. Celia Arona (sp?) stated that he was a resident in this affected area. She is a sociologist by profession. She always considers what types of trends or patterns are merging in any kind of social change. The pattern she saw emerging was a negative one that would come from her neighborhood because of overdevelopment. She was very concerned about that. She reiterated the previous speakers comments regarding traffic and wildlife concerns. Elaine Walsh, 756 Concord Street, was concerned with the traffic and safety of this area. She described the routes taken throughout the neighborhood and the danger that the traffic would bring. She was not opposed to low income housing but did not feel that this was the appropriate location for it. Jerry Haakenstad, 865 Concord Street, indicated that Concord Avenue is used by a lot of senior citizens who walk everyday. He routed the petition around to the seniors of the area and was told that they shared the same concerns mentioned by the previous speakers regarding traffic. Mr. Butler explained that he lived in this area. He pointed out that in the General Plan this area is designated as high density residential. The City did not have ability to develop and operate a park of this small size. If the project considered is not approved, he would be in favor of declaring the site surplus. Mr. Tarver supported staff recommendation not because he wanted more high density residential in the neighborhood but because the City needs the resources that this facility would provide. He stated that there are several parks in the near area. If the site was not used as a fire facility, the site would be for resources that the City could use. This is an asset. He would love to see an affordable housing project done. He agreed that if the project failed to be approved, then the property should be deemed surplus. 9/15/92 47