Wight House Wrong for Lafayette?

Steve and Linda Wight would like to build their new home on a 15-acre ridgeline site at the end of in Lafayette.

The couple's architect says their plans for a three-story, 10,388 square foot home were drawn with taste and concern for its ridgeline environs. The neighbors -- and the City of Lafayette -- aren't so sure.

The Lafayette City Council Monday continued a hearing on the Wight's appeal of the city Planning Commission's denial of their request for a hillside development permit to July 9, with neighbors carefully watching the outcome.

Peter Clark, director of the Happy Valley Improvement Association, cited several areas of concern the association has with the project, but ended a letter to the council by saying that, if approved, "... the project will set a precedent ending Lafayette's ridgeline protections."

The Wight's appeal has attracted considerable interest from neighbors and those in favor of keeping Lamorinda's ridgelands free of development, who are watching as it makes its way through the appeals process.