Livermore Moves to Include Doolan Canyon

The bidding for Doolan Canyon has officially begun.

The Livermore City Council on Monday moved forward with -- a decision that comes after Dublin city officials took steps to add Doolan Canyon to their general plan.

Livermore will now submit an application to the Alameda County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the inclusion of more than 2,600 acres in Doolan Canyon to help preserve open space.

Officials say Doolan Canyon will help establish a greenbelt buffer surrounding the city, which falls in line with Livermore's 2003 general plan. That plan also includes policies for preserving agriculture, protecting open space and biological resources.

A city staff report also says Doolan Canyon serves as a significant open space buffer between the City of Livermore and the City of Dublin.

However, Livermore's decision is met with opposition:

• Some Doolan Canyon residents say they feel isolated from Livermore, unable to have water service from the city and cannot vote in city elections.
• Some property owners and residents of Doolan Canyon say they want nothing to do with Livermore's proposal to "condemn their property to permanent open space."
• Those in favor of Dublin growing further east say Doolan Canyon would be an ideal location for affordable housing for seniors and other projects.
• Some view Livermore's decision as a way to "control property and tell owners how to use their land."

For further information, view the City of Livermore's staff report attached to this agenda (Item 5.03).