Orinda is known for being a small, quiet town, surrounded by trees and hills. But recently, new projects and plans are changing some parts of the town such as downtown, wilder, and more. From new housing developments to updates on safety, Orinda is growing while keeping the small town feel.
According to the City of Orinda’s website, there are several major development projects happening around the city. One of these is the Vista Verde Senior Housing Project. The proposed project will be located on 10 Irwin Way near the Orinda Community Church. This project is designed to create more affordable housing for seniors, which is a great opportunity for Orinda to expand.
Another similar project is the Countryhouse Memory Care Project. This building will provide assisted living for people with memory-related conditions, and it will also include parking and outdoor spaces. “ I worry about this project, but if done right, it could work well. The wilder fields already cause some traffic, and this could impose more,” Wilder resident said.
These developments reflect a shift towards more diverse housing needs, from single-family homes, to affordable senior units, to assisted living.
The city is also working to meet California’s housing requirements, meaning the city has to plan for more housing than in the past.
Besides construction, Orinda is also focusing on residents’ safety. The city recently launched Orinda Ready, which is a website that helps prepare for wildfires and emergencies. Since Orinda is a high-risk area for wildfires, this tool is meant to help people stay informed and ready.
Downtown is another area where Orinda may see many changes. The city has been working on a precise plan, which is meant to help buildings and businesses thrive downtown. This idea has some controversy because, yes, it may bring more buildings and businesses, but residents believe that it could change Orinda’s character.
Orinda recently lost two well-known local businesses. In late August, after 67 years of business, the Rite Aid on Orinda Way closed for good. The store was a neighborhood favorite where people picked up goods like cold medicine, snacks, cheap ice cream cones, and prescriptions. The reason for the closing was because of bankruptcy which closed all Rite Aids remaining nationwide.
Another major change was the closing of Morrison’s Jewelers. Morrison’s Jewelers is a family-run jewelry shop that has been part of the community for over 100 years. Morrison’s was known for custom jewelry pieces, repairs, and personal services. The owners are retiring after decades in business, and while people are sad to see it go, many are wishing them well in retirement.
All of these projects show that Orinda is changing, even if the changes are happening slowly. The city is working to build more housing, improve safety, and add more spaces for people to come together, while still keeping Orinda the way residents know it. Whether these plans work or not will depend on how the city plans ahead and listens to the community. Tuesday, Jan. 29, the city council met at Orinda Library Auditorium, for a “Planning Commission Regular Meeting” which is open to the public.
