Opposition to Auto Center

I would like to express my opposition to the proposed auto center in east Yorba Linda. I grew up in west Yorba Linda and remember watching them start to grade the hills behind Bernardo Yorba when I was a student there from 1973-1975. Even then I felt like the hills were being raped and the animals forced to leave their homes.

But I always hoped that good sense would prevail and that the rural atmosphere of Yorba Linda and the animal habitats would be maintained. Alas, east Yorba Linda has grown at a rapid pace, and I feel alienated from the section of the town located east of Village Center Drive.

Of course, an economic base must be developed if the city is to provide the basic services necessary to maintain a high standard of living for all city residents. Careful decisions must be made, however, as to the kind of businesses and development which should be encouraged.

Though an auto center is a good source of taxes, the other costs are too high, i.e., displaced animals, erosion, loss of trees, increased traffic, higher noise levels. Citizens would be willing to pay a slight increase in taxes (through a bond issue), if the payoff was maintenance of the semi-rural atmosphere in Yorba Linda.

This issue concerns all residents and will affect future development decisions. It is our responsibility to see that development in Yorba Linda proceeds at a reasonable pace, and only upon careful consideration of the costs and benefits to the entire community.

LAURA C. CURRAN

Yorba Linda