No on Dublin’s Measure II: What’s at Stake for Open Space

Photo Courtesy of Save Dublin Open Space

Measure II on the City of Dublin’s upcoming ballot seeks to change the Urban Limit Line (ULL), which voters established through the 2014 Open Space Initiative. The ULL plays a key role in preventing sprawl and protecting the beauty of our region as well as critical habitat for native plants and animals.   

Tri-Valley Conservancy urges all Dublin voters to vote “No” on Measure II.  

If approved, this measure would further reduce open space and potentially harm wildlife habitats and scenic views, an essential part of our Tri-Valley landscape.  

Tri-Valley Conservancy is dedicated to safeguarding our region’s well-planned urban growth boundaries. Measure II would undercut those efforts.  

Doolan Canyon: A Critical Wildlife Corridor   

In 2014, Dublin residents decisively voted (by 84%) to protect the very land that would be up for development if Measure II passes, rejecting a similar initiative to expand the ULL. Today’s Measure II is an attempt to reverse this protection, and we believe it will have devastating consequences for our local environment.  

This land is the last unplanned open space area between Dublin and Livermore and is a highly diverse and important ecosystem for hundreds of species, including the Western Burrowing Owl, California Red-Legged Frog, and more.   

It hosts rare riparian and wetland ecosystems, supporting special-status species and unique alkali soil plants.  

The Alameda County Resource Conservation District and UC Davis have been collecting wildlife migration data and have identified the crossing as a hot spot for wildlife actiity.   

Tri-Valley Conservancy has been working diligently over the last decade to preserve the beauty and ecological significance of Doolan Canyon by protecting surrounding properties with conservation easements and managing the land for the benefit of local ecology.   

In 2018 we acquired 210 acres in Doolan Canyon to protect burrowing owl habitat, and we are currently working on 3 other projects that would preserve another 1,500 acres in the area.   

Allowing industrial development in these areas would potentially cut off the wildlife corridor, degrade critical habitats with light and noise, and allow development sprawl to eliminate this valuable buffer between Dublin and Livermore. Commercial development on this scale could strip the land of its natural beauty and undercut the ecological benefits it provides our region. Instead of moving its ULL to allow for more potential sprawl, the City of Dublin should focus on developing within its existing developed areas, preserving these open spaces for future generations.  

Note: Areas in red are within Dublin’s city limits and have plans to be developed. The area in orange is the land under consideration for development under Measure II. The area in purple is proposed to be protected from development due to hillside restrictions and the location of the creek.   

Source: City of Dublin Informational Mailer, TVC Google Earth Map    

TVC Opposes Measure II  

For decades, TVC has worked to protect open spaces in partnership with local cities, landowners, and environmental advocates. We have a proven history of working together with all parties to reach a solution that provides a win for all.  

In August 2024, TVC’s board of directors committed to working toward a collaborative solution that would preserve open spaces while balancing the interests of Dublin, Livermore, Alameda County, and the property owner. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to facilitate a mediation between all parties before the election.  

Tri-Valley Conservancy remains committed to finding an equitable solution through mediation and offering our land conservation services as part of a win-win outcome.   

However, because Measure II falls short of a balanced agreement that ensures the protection of these precious open spaces, we cannot support Measure II.  

How Measure II Would Impact the Dublin Blvd Project  

Separately from Measure II, the Dublin Boulevard Extension Project proposes to extend Dublin Blvd 1.5 miles east from Fallon Road to North Canyons Parkway in the City of Livermore.  

The 2014 Urban Limit Line already allows the Dublin Blvd. extension to connect Dublin with Livermore, but it doesn’t allow major urban development in the scenic corridor.  

The total estimated cost of the Dublin Blvd extension is $151.5 million, with the section of the road in the unincorporated area costing $55 million to build. (Source: City of Dublin) 

If the property were to remain unincorporated, the cost of road construction on that land would be expected to be split between Dublin and Livermore. However, if the City of Dublin annexes this land, they will be liable for the full amount.     

The potential development proposed for this parcel would bring in an estimated $16.1 million dollars over 20 years – less than half of what’s needed to fund the project – which means the citizens of Dublin would need to pay for the rest.  (Source:  Keyser Marston Report that was presented at the July 16, 2024 Dublin City Council meeting) 

Vote "No" on Measure II to Protect our Open Spaces. 

Tri-Valley Conservancy urges Dublin residents to vote "No" on Measure II, which seeks to expand the ULL established in 2014.  

Measure II threatens the preservation of open space, wildlife habitats, and scenic views in Doolan Canyon and falls short of providing the necessary protections for this critical area. 

Voting “No” continues to protect this valuable open space for future generations.