The Montclarion has just posted an evenhanded article about development in Moraga Canyon entitled Athletic fields vs. space at heart of battle over Piedmont’s Blair Park. Here’s an excerpt:

“As a resident in Moraga Canyon, both projects put a large burden on one area of Piedmont,” said Joannie Semitekol, who lives above Coaches. “Soccer fields on our doorstep, a skate park. Soccer, baseball, lacrosse at Blair Park. That’s contrary to the environment we live in. The canyon is a natural setting with views and greenery, like living in the country. (Preservation) is essential to the value of our property and quality of life.”

Currently, Blair Park is green open space, a popular spot for dog walkers and a nature habitat.

But in Piedmont’s new general plan under review, it is identified as a “special use” park, implying it could be developed in some way.

Resident Bill Schwartz is concerned.

“(To think of) the relatively pristine Blair Park being destroyed is very disturbing,” Schwartz said.