Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (July 08, 2005)

City's housing projects need more common spaces

Editor:

I want to thank the groups that organized the Urban Hike with Mayor Matt Neely and council member Laura Macias on Saturday, June 25. It was really helpful to see the new developments in Mountain View. Clearly, much thought that has gone into these developments, and I applaud this work.

City officials should remember that the developments we saw on that hike all feature higher-density housing, which helps to make our community more livable. However, something that I felt was lacking in many of the developments was common space so that people might actually meet their neighbors, thereby having a more vested interest in the community at large.

When people have an investment in the community -- and not just a financial one -- they are more inclined to care about the community's infrastructure, schools and overall well-being. I hope that as future developments are presented, the idea of building more common areas will be considered. Helen Wolter Emmons Drive

Solar energy bill a step in right direction

Editor:

As gas prices approach $3 a gallon, and with troops dying in the oil-rich Middle East, it has never been more important to achieve energy independence.

The Million Solar Roofs bill, SB-1, is a great step in the right direction. It would bring a million new solar homes and businesses to California over the next 10 years, as much energy as six giant fossil fuel power plants.

It's time for energy independence. It's time for solar power. Matthew Savage Woodleaf Way

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