Submitted by Dennis Ryan

Member of the Lopez Village Planning and Review Committee

Lopez is making its very own Village Plan for shaping development in the years ahead. This is our chance for local governance over something near and dear  – the Village.

Achieving the new local plan requires local input. Community members including property and business owners are invited to contribute through public workshops, correspondence and in discussions with friends and neighbors. Ultimately the council will adopt the recommendations as a sub-area plan, making it legally binding. Host a discussion session! Make this an agenda item in your organization!

The council-appointed, volunteer Lopez Village Planning and Review Committee is drafting the plan with assistance from Linda Kuller, of the SJC Department of Community Development and Planning. The planning boundaries are the Lopez Village Urban Growth Area designated some years ago as part of the State’s Growth Management Act.

On Oct. 7 we conducted the first public workshop to share work to date. Well over 75 Lopezians attended, weighing in on a range of topics. As one participant put it, “It’s hard to just jump into text on this planning stuff. I need pictures, maps and stories.  What’s good for the future, what’s possible and what should the Lopez Village steer clear of – these are big, challenging questions!”

Eight attendees gave a spirited reading of a draft vision for Lopez Village. Later, editorial comments included: “Add Hummel Lake as a destination for the envisioned walkable, bicycle-friendly and well-connected community.” “Add Weeks Wetland Preserve to the statement about protecting Fisherman Bay.” “Pay attention to climate resiliency and sustainability in our capital facilities.”

Everyone had something to contribute in lively discussion exchanges. Folks made brief notes on the boards and comments came afterwards. A sample: “Planning for the Village should recognize the demographic shifts in America and the tilt toward an aging population.” “Get a truly walkable Village – one that supports and encourages pedestrians, with bicycle and automobile territories clearly worked out and managed.” “Preserve our views of the water and surroundings from the Village.” “Mature trees and landscaping are essential.” “Aim for a stronger sense of a village center. A public square?”

Taking care of the aquifer, minimizing pesticides and exposure to microwave radiation and designing a “stunning water system in the Village” for storm water management were also called for.

We reviewed all comments and will continue to do so. Send comments to LindaK@sanjuanco.com or call 370-7572 or visit www.sanjuanco.com/cdp/LopezVillage/lv_default.aspx.

Issues ahead:  how to strengthen the Village as a cherished place for living, working, shopping and enjoyment. There are many qualities within the present collection of buildings and spaces to emulate, including the variety of generally small–scaled forms, pitched roofs, a number of porches, decks and terraces conducive to social gathering, and a special, sometimes dramatic connection with the surrounding landscape and water. The Village today is a composition of clusters of activities – slightly different places within a larger whole. The committee’s assessment of the unique qualities of each place as well as the overall functioning of the Village will determine guidelines for future development.

Everyone cares about the Village but in myriad ways. “Village” is an easy term to use but it’s not so easy to define. The uses and activities that constitute the Village, along with its visual qualities and how well it works to achieve public and private objectives, are all paramount. It is also an eclectic yet recognizable, iconic and dynamic place – it should accommodate the busy summer season and yet be equally inviting and representative of the best of Lopez throughout the year.

Having a homegrown Village plan, attending to local objectives with local say-so, is exciting to imagine. This will be a first, important step.