For about a decade, a small group of Danville homeowners have been fighting plans for construction of 69 homes on the 410-acre Magee Ranch property off Diablo Road.

Now, they’ve used a signature-gathering drive to force the issue to the ballot. It’s time for voters to end this NIMBYism.

Danville residents should vote yes on Measure Y, which would reaffirm the City Council’s decision to rezone the land so Davidon Homes can build the houses.

The plans also call for East Bay Regional Park District to take control and open for public use most of the 381 acres of open space that’s part of the deal; the city to move forward on a critical bike path to get cyclists off dangerous Diablo Road; and the county to install a new signal that would significantly improve traffic flow during the dreaded morning commute.

That’s right: The road improvements required with the development would make traffic better. The Magee Preserve project is a win-win: More homes, plus improvements that benefit the community.

The owners of the land were actually entitled to build more houses on the property. And they could have spread them out over the 410 acres. Instead they plan to cluster the construction near Diablo Road, setting aside 93% of the land as permanent open space.

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The City Council, which unanimously approved the rezoning necessary for the clustering, understood the benefits. Unfortunately, members of the opposition group, which first sued unsuccessfully to stop development on the site, is now trying to overturn the council decision through a ballot referendum.

Opponents admit that what they really want the city to do is stop the rezoning that enables the clustering of homes. They figure the developer wouldn’t be able to cost-effectively build as many houses if they’re spread out. Simply put, they want to make it more expensive to build on the property.

It’s mind-boggling: We’re talking about 69 homes along a thoroughfare that has thousands of homes around it, including those of the opponents. We’re not talking about a development that pushes beyond the county’s urban growth boundaries. We’re talking about a project that’s essentially suburban in-fill.

Opponents say they’re worried about traffic the project would generate. But the developer would be required to install a much-needed signal light that would replace stop signs at the intersection of Diablo Road and Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard.

The result, according to traffic studies for the project’s environmental impact report, would be a 39% reduction in travel time along a two-mile stretch of Diablo Road during the morning commute and average speed improvement from 18 mph to 29 mph.

Opponents say they’re worried about fire danger, but the environmental study and fire officials say the project would not hurt the ability of firefighters to serve the area.

Opponents say they’re concerned about bike safety. But this project would improve bike safety. The developer would be required to dedicate land the city has been seeking for a new paved trail that cyclists heading for Mount Diablo, or just going for a local jaunt, could use instead of risking their lives on Diablo Road. That’s why cycling groups have supported the development.

The City Council got it right. The Magee Preserve project deserves support. Vote yes on Measure Y.