To whom it may concern, <br />I am writing on behalf of the Santa Clara Community Organization (SCCO) regarding the <br />development of the Lane Transit District transfer station at River Rd and Nunsaker. Our <br />comments fall into two categories; comments about the actual design of the site and our level <br />of support in general for the project. <br />We, the Santa Clara Community Organization, are supportive of the development of a transit <br />center on a portion of the site. We understand the value of public transportation and <br />appreciate the role it can play in changing the character of land surrounding it. Increasing <br />mobility for many while decreasing the cumulative vehicle miles traveled is a net environmental <br />benefit for us all. <br />The site plans indicate a six foot chain link fence along the entire northern edge of the site. <br />Given that the site is intended to be for public use and is accessible from the other three <br />cardinal directions, we wonder at the purpose of this fence. Not only will it be unattractive, it <br />will hinder use of the transit station from future collocated amenities like an urban plaza or <br />gathering area. <br />SCCO has been collaborating with LTD in good faith on three projects, the River Road transit <br />station, the River Road/Santa Clara neighborhood plan, and the River Road Corridor study. <br />Indeed we provided letters of support for these projects to acquire the grant funding necessary <br />for their implementation. Our support was contingent on the understanding that the rest of <br />this site would be planned for development that would create a vibrant community hub and <br />provide a centralized place large enough for community gatherings. This can only happen if the <br />rest of the site is planned as one unit, not sold off as individual lots. As you may know, this site <br />is at the geographical center of our neighborhood. Perhaps less obvious is the site's history as <br />the cultural center of our community. It served as a historical, social and educational hub for <br />our neighborhood for decades. It was the original site of the Santa Clara Grange, and later <br />deeded to become Santa Clara Elementary. Many of our venerable older residents attended <br />grade school there. The loss of this site as a community asset has been profound. <br />In the applicant's narrative they cite our current work on the neighborhood plan as satisfying <br />criteria they need to meet regarding the River Rd Santa Clara urban facilities plan. <br />