Fire Station 94 Summary

Dear Mayor and Members of the Brentwood City Council,

Tonight, you face a critical decision: whether to uphold or overturn the Planning Commission’s unanimous vote to deny the design permit for Fire Station 94. While the application is framed as a design issue, this matter runs much deeper.

As veterans and taxpayers, we are compelled to speak up because:

• The proposed design does not comply with the Downtown Specific Plan.

• The fire district has failed to conduct meaningful, forward-looking planning.

• The design requires the taking of land dedicated exclusively to veterans, a clear violation of the original purpose and legal dedication.

This is not just about design, or we wouldn't be talking about alternate locations like Sand Creek.

Why mention Sand Creek?

1. Because we don’t want to offer problems without solutions.

2. Because it's wrong to frame this as a false choice between public safety and legal/ethical obligations — Sand Creek allows us to protect both.

3. Because Sand Creek is shovel-ready, city-planned, and positioned for the future growth of Brentwood.

About the planning process:

• The Citygate report, often cited in defense of the downtown location, is outdated and incomplete.

• It fails to account for 15,000 new residents since 2014, and the 10,000 more expected soon.

• It does not consider changes to downtown street configuration, traffic flow or future congestion.

• It creates overlapping 4-minute response zones with Station 92, while neglecting major parts of Brentwood, including central and northwest neighborhoods.

• While in operation, fire station 54 had the slowest response times.

As a taxpayer, I find this level of planning unacceptable. East County deserves first-rate emergency services, not second-best shortcuts.

Why are the veterans leading this?

Because we were entrusted with stewarding this property for future generations. And we are alarmed to see:

• The County and Fire District ignoring legal land use commitments, pushing the City to ignore its own rules.

• The taking of land that was legally and morally dedicated to veterans’ use, without compensation, process, or transparency.

We provided a letter from our attorney explaining that the County violated state law by transferring the property to the Fire District.

We started this journey trying to protect the legacy of veterans. What we discovered was a bureaucracy willing to bully, cut corners, and ignore its own rules.

If you vote to overturn the Planning Commission:

• You are voting against veterans (California Military and Veterans Code).

• You are voting against the Downtown Specific Plan.

• You are voting against Brentwood taxpayers and the long-term best interest of public safety.

• You are voting for an ill-planned project that avoids accountability.

We urge you — uphold the Planning Commission’s 4-0 decision. Show our community that Brentwood respects the rule of law, responsible planning, and its veterans.

Respectfully,

Donald E. Hester

Commandant Delta Diablo Det 1155