They say... “The General Plan provides for high-density, single-family residential housing here.” “Up to 22 new two-story houses could be built on this property.”

When actually... This is not a choice BETWEEN a mega-church and high-density housing. It’s zoned R-10, which means Single Family Residential, with a lot size of 10,000 square feet or more. Although the county general plan would allow changes in certain situations, the zoning would have to be changed in order for any high density housing to go into an R-10 zone. Any attempted change would receive HEAVY neighborhood opposition. Under current laws, a church is allowed on this property.  But it doesn’t have to be THIS design or size.  There are many alternatives – using the existing houses on the property for their classrooms or office space, designing the parking lot around the existing Oak trees, modifying the architectural style to reflect the surrounding neighborhood, etc.

They say... “Great attention has been given to ensuring that the design fits comfortably in the neighborhood.”

When actually... The 13 white domes do not have anything at all in common with Saranap’s ranch style homes. How many homes or businesses in Saranap have domes?  And how many buildings with 13 domes?

They say... “Curvilinear design... includes... a series of gently sloping, saucer domes that mirror the shapes of the surrounding California hills.”

When actually... That’s like saying an oil refinery mirrors the shape of a redwood forest. Stark white, saucer-shaped domes have nothing in common with the hills of California.

They say... “It [the sanctuary] will nestle in a serene glade of trees”

When actually... Their plan calls for the removal of all existing trees, some of them quite large and healthy. It will take generations to replace these trees. Their plans call for the absolute destruction of all vegetation and buildings on the site. Any “serene” landscaping will be surrounded by concrete walls.

They Say... “Parking is provided on the premises. The members are committed to parking only on the property.”

When actually... There are only 71 parking spaces provided, two of which are designated handicap, for 350 members. Even with their implementation of a Traffic Demand Management plan, the building is permanently dependent on off-site parking and a carpool/walk scheme that would not be sustainable should their demographics change or if the building were rented it out or sold; it would not be suitable for use by any occupant other than Sufism Reoriented… ever. It would in essence become a white elephant. No other occupant could meet the conditions of the Land Use Permit, which runs with the property.

They Say... “Only three immediately adjacent neighbors will see the building from their property.”

When actually... The elevation and placement of the building on the site will dominate the entire frontage along Boulevard Way. The domed structure will be visible from Kinney Drive, all along Boulevard Way, and will loom over the properties along Warren Road. Everyone near the development will see a massive, stark, white building because all mature trees will be replaced with immature landscaping.

They Say... “[The] plan... provides for a one-story building in a lovely park-like setting with many trees, flowers, gardens and a fountain. It secures almost two acres of open space in the neighborhood.”

When actually... The development is so massive that even the parking extends into the setback area, limiting any screening trees to small, 15-gallon deciduous patio trees.  Portions of the garden are grass-pavers within the parking lot, which will not survive the daily abuse of vehicular traffic. This “park-like”, “open space” setting will be of little or no benefit to non-Sufi residents as it is enclosed behind concrete walls. THIS IS NOT A NEIGHBORHOOD PARK! This is private property and permission to pass is revocable at any time.

They Say... “Removing several trees will also open a beautiful vista of Mount Diablo from all those approaching from Kinney Drive.”

When actually... The development proposes to clear cut all 58 trees, including a number of mature oaks, which will focus all views on the stark white domed structure, surrounded by white concrete walls.

They Say... Their Sanctuary would “sit lightly on the earth”.

When actually... It would “sit lightly on the earth” like a meteor. Complete with crater. Massive grading and excavation is required for this development.  The site will be clear-cut of all existing trees.  A 20 foot deep hole almost the size of a football field is required to anchor this building to “sit lightly on the earth”!!!

They Show... Mature trees on their initial design plan.

When actually... The landscape plan shows a single row of 15-gallon size deciduous Crape Myrtle trees.

They say... This development will be so “green” and environmentally friendly.

When actually... This property will be very “brown” before it ever becomes “green”. Their plans call for massive destruction of this site including clear-cutting all trees, vegetation and wildlife habitat, excavation of a very large hole and the transportation of thousands of truckloads of earth down Boulevard Way, not to mention noise, dust and fumes from heavy equipment.