Nov 15 2022
OPINION: No U-17 Soccer and Lacrosse?
Will the Housing Element Prohibit U-17 soccer and lacrosse at Coaches Field?
The Moraga Canyon Specific Plan Study, a study of the changes needed in the canyon to accommodate the proposed housing sites, includes the following goal:.“4. The specific plan must include recreation facilities, including but not limited to an under-14 soccer field, youth baseball/softball field, batting cages, artificial field turf, ballfield seating, a skate spot, a picnic area, and parking for these facilities.”..After the City of Piedmont withdrew plans for a soccer field at Blair Park some years ago, it came forward with a conceptual plan for a U-17 soccer/multipurpose field at Coaches Field. This plan called for a relocation of the large retaining wall to accommodate a 150-300 foot field, the required size for league-sanctioned U-17 soccer games. It did not require relocating the Corporation Yard. With goal #4 the City appears to be backing away from this commitment. The purpose of bringing a U-17 field to Piedmont was to avoid the need to travel to Alameda Point. Goal #4 also does not mention lacrosse which uses the field..The only way to achieve an expanded field and housing in Moraga Canyon may be to move the Corporation Yard to Blair Park, but this option is excluded from the Specific Plan Study. Moving the Corporation Yard would also provide a better pedestrian-ready site for affordable housing. Unfortunately the General Plan and smart planning in general have been absent from the Housing Element process..Garrett Keating, Former Piedmont Council Member
