Push-pull of San Joaquin River meeting ends well

I recently attended my first board meeting in support of access to the San Joaquin River Alternative 1, and it left quite an impression on me.

The issues being debated are the alternatives to use to create access between the original plans of using a public road already in existence and creating parking (alternative 1). Alternative 5B appeases the affluent neighborhood by creating access away from them. However; the route chosen makes it difficult for struggling people of Fresno who have limited means of transportation to have direct access.

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand and Fresno City Council member Steve Brandau each spoke of the beauty and importance of river access. However; the value of their statements did not align when they chose to back up alternative 5B.

The main theme of the opening speech by Fresno County Supervisor Andreas Borgeas was a compromise to get to the main goal of creating access. I viewed this as a kind-faced bullying attempt to push for 5B. In the end, 5B was not successful in gaining enough votes to move on.

I am pleased with the results and the wisdom of the board for resisting the attempt to appease access for only a few Fresnans.

This story was originally published November 19, 2017 at 6:41 AM with the headline "Push-pull of San Joaquin River meeting ends well."