Brentwood Veterans Advocate for Land Use Restrictions at Planning Commission Meeting

Brentwood Planning Commission Meeting Jan 21, 2025

On January 21, 2025, leaders from Brentwood’s veteran service organizations spoke passionately during the public comment period of the Brentwood Planning Commission meeting, urging the commissioners to hold Contra Costa County accountable for honoring the restrictions on land originally designated for veterans' use. The Planning Commission is scheduled to vote next month on the proposed construction of Fire Station 94 on this historically significant site.

Representatives included Travis Marin, Commander of VFW Post 10789; Dan Duran, Commander of American Legion Post 202 and President of the Building Board; Mike Meyokovich, VFW member; and Donald Hester, Commandant of Delta Diablo Detachment 1155 Marine Corps League and Secretary for the Building Board. Their comments echoed the concerns outlined in a letter sent earlier in the week by the Veterans Hall Board and veterans service organizations.

The letter and public comments emphasized that the land was purchased through a special tax authorized under Section 4041f of the Political Code of the State of California, following its approval by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors on March 20, 1922. The tax was explicitly designated for veterans' memorials and meeting places, placing strict restrictions on the property’s future use. Funding for the property.

The issue dates back to 1937, when a volunteer fire station was erected on a portion of the land. Many of the volunteer firefighters were veterans, and veterans themselves contributed funds to support its construction. However, when the fire district was later established, it assumed control of the fire station, leading to the County gradually taking over more of the property as the station expanded. This encroachment, veterans argue, violates the original intent and legal limitations of the land’s use.

Neither the veterans nor the County have the right to repurpose the land for any use other than what was originally intended: veterans' memorials and meeting places. Even if the land was misappropriated in the past, that does not justify its continued misuse. As taxpayers, we expect that funds collected for a specific purpose are used as promised—just as a tax levied to build a school should result in a school, not a parking lot. The same principle applies here. The entire lot, including the area of the old and proposed fire station, was purchased through a special tax explicitly dedicated to veterans' use, and the County must honor this obligation. Misusing the land undermines taxpayer trust and we believe violates the law.

During their remarks, the veterans urged the Planning Commission to ensure that any project on the site complies with city plans, zoning regulations, and land use restrictions. They reminded the Commission that it is within their authority to hold the County accountable and ensure the integrity of the land’s purpose is preserved.

Following the meeting, the veterans followed up with an email thanking the commissioners for their consideration and offering to meet individually to answer any questions before next month’s vote.

The veteran community hopes their advocacy will result in a fair and lawful resolution that honors the land’s original purpose, ensuring it remains a dedicated space for those who served.

For the full story and updates, visit https://www.bvmb.org/blog.

Comments at the beginning of the meeting, watch below: