The problems with Terraces of Lafayette

There are many reasons why people are talking about Terraces as stated in the recent newspaper articles and ads.

This 315-unit apartment complex building is seriously inappropriate for the scenic gateway area into Lafayette at Route 24 and Pleasant Hill Road. In an area of single-family residences, the addition of 500 or more cars entering an already congested area would negatively impact those driving through, living and working nearby as well as the close-by Acalanes High School and Springhill School. There are no other multifamily units nearby.

The developers are suggesting adding two additional lanes, making Pleasant Hill Road six lanes wide in front of the development. Residents and commuters are already dealing with the noise and delays that four lanes of a major artery bring, especially during mornings and evenings.

Terraces has planned to add a left turn lane on northbound Pleasant Hill Road. Cars exiting the freeway (without a yield sign) would need to cross three lanes to turn onto the entrance road. During commute hours, Terraces residents would likely cut through the neighborhood at Acalanes Avenue to circumvent the gridlock. As a result, there would be added traffic at the high school entrances and exits, impacting students walking to and from school on Stanley Boulevard.

Terraces' Pleasant Hill Road entrance would create extra braking and accelerating

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noise, not to mention auto exhaust pollution. At night, the cars exiting would have their headlights glaring into the houses across the street. There are no buses or stores within walking distance, necessitating driving.

I've only addressed what I see as some of the traffic impacts. Having lived close by for almost 30 years, I have firsthand knowledge as to how the Terraces will negatively impact many and change forever a beautiful hillside and semirural Lafayette.

Patricia Gray

Lafayette