Funds from a bond measure that passed in 2008 by East Bay Regional Park District voters is finally arriving for the city of San Leandro. This small town in the middle of the San Francisco bay will improve it's Walkability Level hence improving its home values. A new report by CEO's for Cities, a national network of urban leaders, reveals that homes in so-called walkable neighborhoods may be more valuable than homes in car-dependent ones.
According to the report, Walking the Walk: How Walkability Raises Housing Values in U.S. Cities, found that higher levels of walkability, as determined by a walk score, were directly linked to higher home values. Walk scores are calculated based on a home's proximity to community amenities such as schools, retail shops, parks, libraries, banks and restaurants.
Measure WW provides money for park projects throughout the district. In early January the City Council approved spending for several projects, that will beautify and enhance city parks and will include getting a fenced dog park by the Marina. The city's $3.7 million dollars share will be spend on approximately 10 city park projects that were suggested by the Recreation and Parks Commission with input from local residents.
There will be new asphalt walkways in the parks, new equipment in some areas, and irrigation and drainage improvements in others. New aluminum bleachers will be installed, plus new lockers and restroom refurbishments. There will be new picnic areas in some parks, and repairs in others.
San Leandro, a city just 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco, already has easy access to fishing, boating, camping and walking trails along Anthony Chabot Regional Park and Lake Chabot. There is even a 20 mile mountain bike trail that crosses the entire park. The 5+ mile Bay Trail on the west side of the city offers beautiful panoramic views of the San Francisco bay.
These improvements will allow the city of San Leandro to offer its residents a more comfortable and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors. There are a lot of dogs wagging their tails in anticipation of the opening of the dog park, a park with views of the San Francisco bay This will be a great place to take those important family members who need a daily walk. (I'm talking about the 4 legged ones) kibbles anyone?
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