In response to the Sept. 20 Times editorial "Concord can lead the way," regarding the unique opportunity Concord has to demonstrate that we Californians and Contra Costans are serious about our environment, I would like to point out that a large number of us have already demonstrated this by forming the Concord Naval Weapons Station Neighborhood Alliance. We care about the environment, traffic congestion, the future of our city and the gift that we can pass on to future generations.

We would like to see at least 80 percent of the CNWS preserved as open space/recreation.

It is now clear that a majority of Concord residents have the same vision, including saving a majority of the CNWS property from residential and commercial development, and that any development should be environmentally friendly.

We are depending on the city staff and our elected officials to work with us to find ways to accomplish these goals.

We thank the Times for its leadership in the promotion of open space in our county. CNWS Neighborhood Alliance members are proud to be among the leaders in this issue. Now is the time to do as the Times editorial suggests to demonstrate that we care.

The gift of a large open space/regional park full of trees would be treasured and enjoyed forever, as well as help to lessen global warming issues we face. Let's work together -- the world will be watching.

Gleason is co-founder of the Concord Naval Weapons Station Neighborhood Alliance; she lives in Concord.