"What we have perceived from the Sierra Club and others is that they would have us dictate to local government how they would grow, and we have been reluctant to do that," he said. "Government serves the people, and local government is closest to the people, and they ought to make decisions about planning and land use."

Added deputy director Carlos Braceras: "I can understand people saying it's all highway, highway, highway. But it's important to look at the numbers and how most people choose to move. If you look at transit versus cars, it's overwhelmingly people moving on a roadway system."

On Friday, a public comment period about Legacy will officially end. Braceras and Njord say they are open to the alternative being presented by opponents but will reserve judgment until it has been studied.

"If we can learn something new, that's what the process is all about," said Braceras. "We're open to any alternatives and will look at it in good faith. I don't want to prejudge or determine the viability of an alternative until we have a chance to investigate it fully."

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com