Original design for Vedic City incorporated in master plan

MAHARISHI VEDIC CITY ? Maharishi Vedic City is one step closer to accomplishing its goals for development with the completion of a structural layout for its master plan.

      "It's very exciting for us," city attorney Maureen Wynne said.

      The plan, which was completed by Kent Rice of French Reneker Associates Inc. with the assistance of Susanna MacGregor, a local expert in Sthapatya Veda dimension and design, incorporates the city's original design of 10 circles into a grid system.

      Wynne explained during the planning process, there were times when they thought they might have to abandon the 10 circles, but the current plan was able to save them and match up perfectly with the already existing road structure.

      According to Wynne, once Rice figured it out, he said it seemed like an obvious solution.

      Previous attempts of marking the 10 circles by planting trees were not entirely successful. Wynne said some of the circles are visible from an aerial view, but not all of the planted trees did well. They have now come up with the idea of marking the circles with lighting.

      The plan also allows for Observatory Drive to be the main east entrance into the city, which Wynne said was questionable at times.

      Observatory Drive will lead to the center of the city where a garden and peace tower will be located, she said.

      The current idea for the peace tower is to have seven or eight floors that would house a conference room and informational centers about topics like organic agriculture and Sthapatya Veda architecture. Wynne said they would like to have a revolving restaurant located at the top where people could look out on the city.

      The French Reneker plan still needs to be approved by city council, but Wynne said she believes it will be approved because the council has been kept informed throughout the process.

For a complete story, read the March 2 Fairfield Ledger.