An Alameda County judge’s ruling that a voter-approved housing cap for the city of Pleasanton violates state law may certainly be appealed if it does in fact have wide implications (the reluctance of Marin County to expand housing opportunities comes to mind), but it does highlight that Hercules has done more than its part in delivering housing for the region (including affordable housing). And Hercules has done so largely in a commendable, smart growth manner.

As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle…

If the Alameda decision stands, and if other cities face legal challenges, the result could reshape the landscape of California suburbs and small cities – conceivably forcing them to reconsider height limits or increasing the density in their downtowns. [...]

One way to accommodate growth in suburbia is to allow slightly taller apartment buildings and condominiums in the center of town, to concentrate it near BART or bus stops, and loosen zoning so that single-family neighborhoods can sprout cottages and “in-law” units.

This sort of strategy has been touted for the past decade by advocates of what is called “smart growth.” And, more recently, the message has been taken up by environmentalists who see compact development as a way to get people out of their cars and to preserve open space.

And Hercules will be delivering additional housing over the next decade as well, including the remaining portions of the Waterfront redevelopment, Sycamore North and Crossing, New Town Center and Hilltown. New Urbanism — a visually stunning variant of smart growth — has allowed the city to increase densities and access to public transportation, while reducing reliance on the personal automobile and retaining valuable open spaces.