Mountain View Blvd–Blackwood Dr. gate removal.

On May 20, 2026, Contra Costa County removed the fire access gate connecting Mountain View Boulevard and Blackwood Drive without public review or assessment of the potential impacts on public safety, traffic conditions, and pedestrian safety.

The removal of the gate has created unrestricted through-traffic for the first time in more than 70 years on roads that contain no sidewalks, limited or no street lighting, rolling hills, and sharp blind turns that restrict visibility. Children regularly walk these routes to and from school, and residents have reported increased traffic volume and speeding, raising legitimate concerns regarding pedestrian and neighborhood safety.

From the earliest days of residential development in this area since the 1940s these two streets have never been connected by unrestricted through-traffic. This was never a temporary gate, but a deliberate fixture required by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors in 1988 as a Condition of Approval for Subdivision 7075, which expressly stated that any future removal of the barrier would be "subject to public review."

Nevertheless, the gate was removed on May 20, 2026 without public review. The community further understands that in approximately 2005, following a public review process, the County ultimately decided to retain the gate rather than remove it. There was extensive review, evaluation, and discussion surrounding the gate at that time, and conditions have not changed since.

First responder access is essential and a priority for our community. Modern automated gate systems can achieve both goals by providing immediate access for fire, police, and emergency personnel while preserving appropriate traffic controls and neighborhood safety.

We respectfully request that Contra Costa County:

• Reassess the decision to remove the gate

• Evaluate emergency-access gate options and other alternatives that preserve both emergency access and neighborhood safety

• Hold a public community meeting

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