Thursday, August 21, 2008

Compromise and the future of Angwin

Dear editor, Facing overwhelming opposition to their subdivision plan, which would increase Angwin’s population by 43 percent, Triad Communities has attempted to form a group of hand-picked Angwin residents to try to salvage their 380-unit development.

Most in this small group of eight are sympathetic to or are tied to the college in some way. Two are retired professors. Two are Save Rural Angwin supporters who have expressed their opposition to the project.

The current strategy of the Seattle developer is to wave the banner of “compromise” in order to get their foot in the door with an undesirable proposal. The overwhelming majority of Angwin residents, represented by Save Rural Angwin, have proposed a compromise from the start: a significant 191 units of housing, including affordable housing. That compromise represents a 20 percent increase in population and would meet the long-term housing needs of both the college and the Angwin workforce.

Having refused a legitimate compromise, Triad is stacking the deck with development supporters to create the appearance of democracy while promoting its ambitious business plan. We are confident that the planning commissioners, board of supervisors and the voters of Napa County will see this ploy for what it is.

Allen Spence / Angwin

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