A plea to grow up, not out

My name is Stella Jo Villett, a recent graduate from Chico State with a degree in Social Science, currently pursuing my master’s degree, and native to San Jose. Although I have lived in Chico for a short time (2 years), I love this city. I quickly fell in love with its structures, history, and art culture.

Walkability and sustainability are something that my generation greatly values. I work with students on campus and often hear stories of enjoying the walking and biking experience in Chico. Please consider sustainable development for future generations who wish to make Chico their home.

Commuting into town 15-20 minutes from an outer development is not something my peers or I desire. As someone who grew up in South San Jose, I am so glad that I no longer need to drive down the freeway/expressway a minimum of 15 minutes to get to where I want to go. There are vacant/underdeveloped lots located more central to downtown that can be developed into apartment/ community-style living. I urge against urban expansion and suggest re-development. Develop UP, not OUT!

Below are resources I urge citizens, council members, and planners to read regarding urban expansion before deciding on the Valley’s Edge Plan. All are published works that I have read and analyzed in my studies at Chico State.

Suburban Decline: The Next Urban Crisis. https://issues.org/ lucy/

Green Manhattan. https:// www.newyorker.com/magazine/2004/10/18/green-manhattan

Urban Sprawl and Public Health https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11035517_Urban_ Sprawl_and_Public_Health

— Stella Jo Villett, Chico