Building Next To Lafayette Reservoir: Permission Sought

LAMORINDA, CA — The Lafayette Planning Commission will consider Monday a local cancer support group's request to build a facility at the city's undeveloped western edge, next to the Lafayette Reservoir.

The non-profit Cancer Support Community (CSC) wants to build a 12,000-square-feet "community assembly and education" facility on 5.75 hillside acres, on Mt. Diablo Blvd. The project - which purports to leave five acres of the site "in its historical condition" after construction - would require cutting down at least 14 trees, with five more possible once construction starts. The developer would mitigate the tree loss by planting 44 new trees and other landscaped features.

The facility would be used by CSC clients and families for classes and workshops. The group would plant a garden visible from the street, have outdoor meeting space, and wants to incorporate building design into the natural environment.

The building would be tucked behind existing trees to minimize visibility from the street, according to a letter from CSC to the city, dated March 22.

"We also take very seriously the importance of fitting into Lafayette and conserving the scenic beauty of this property for its residents," the group wrote. "We have spent years deliberately formulating a plan that blends with the existing environment and enhances it."

The plan includes 44 parking stalls and six bicycle spaces. A city staff report says the project won't affect nearby trails and park land.

The Walnut Creek-based group formed a Lafayette Community Council in 2016 to begin outreach to the city, while guiding tours and classes on the site in 2019-20.

CSC is applying for a land use permit and a hillside development permit. The commission will likely ask questions and add recommendations before forwarding the proposal to other city bodies. The plan will come back to the commission for a final determination, unless its decision is appealed to the city council.

The Lafayette Planning Commission will meet virtually at 7 p.m. Monday. To watch, go to Watch the meeting on YouTube.

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