February 19th is the last day to submit comments on the city's High-Speed Rail Station Area plan. The local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has said "The emphasis on the Golden State & 'F' Street site and development proposed around it could serve to draw away from the the traditional core of downtown rather than compliment it ... We do recommend that a similar effort be made looking at the Truxtun Avenue/Amtrak location originally proposed so the stakeholders and public can make a true comparison ... The earlier massing concept shows 25 story towers and numerous 10 story towers adjacent to the 'F' Street Station Site. These may need to be reduced in height, and future taller towers directed back toward the downtown core in order to integrate with the existing downtown." Please join us in endorsing the local AIA chapter and submit comments to the City of Bakersfield ... 1) Expressing concern that the 10-20 and 20-30 year development plans will draw development away from the the traditional core of downtown rather than compliment it; 2) Requesting more development to be focused in the existing downtown core (between H St on the west, Mill Creek on the East, California Avenue on the South and 23rd Street on the North); and 3) Requesting that hat a similar effort be made looking at the Truxtun Avenue/Amtrak location originally proposed so the stakeholders and public can make a true comparison Please send an email by February 19th to: Cecilia Griego cgriego@bakersfieldcity.us Together, we can help keep high-density development in the downtown core where it belongs.