As residents in Danville continue to debate the merits of the Magee Preserve project, the Town Council is working to carry the process along and has officially selected the statewide primary election on March 3 as the date the referendum will appear on the ballot.
Confirmed on Nov. 5 during the council’s regular meeting, come March 3 residents will have the opportunity to either vote in favor of the town-approved Magee Preserve project, or vote no against it.
With election costs associated per voter estimated at between $2 to $3, town staff estimate the special election will cost approximately $60,132 to $90,198 in total
Proposed by Walnut Creek-based developer Davidon Homes, the Magee Preserve project consists of building 69 homes on the south side of Diablo Road and Blackhawk Road.
Located on a 410-acre property, the Magee Preserve would develop approximately 29 acres -- or 7% -- of the project site for housing, with the remaining 381 acres preserved as open space on a permanent basis. That open space would then be opened to the public with a variety of hiking and biking trails combing throughout the property.
Approved by the council back in July, some residents in the area created a petition seeking to deny the project due to fear of increased traffic and a general opposition to any form of development on the property.
The process is still ongoing, and supporters and opponents to the Magee Preserve will have until Dec. 18 to submit ballot arguments making their case, according to town staff. After initial arguments are filed, both sides will then have the opportunity to file rebuttal arguments if filed by Dec. 23.
To help provide a resource for residents to learn more about the project and election process, the town has created a website with additional information.
