Letter writer questions 2,841 new homes proposed for southeastern Antioch
Dear Editor:
How many people in Antioch are aware that huge new housing developments are being planned? Do people know what kind of impact this will have on traffic, city services, and taxes?
We need to have a Town Hall meeting to inform the Antioch residents of these new expansion plans.
Such a meeting should be widely publicized using every kind of outreach tools available. The information presented to the public should cover general topics about the potential impacts to the city and a general description of each new area including maps.
In the recent City Manager Weekly Reports, there are three housing developments under review that will add 2,841 new homes in southeastern Antioch. That area is mostly rural now, so this will add a lot of requirements for new services such as fire service, police service, water and sewer maintenance, code enforcement, animal control, traffic lights, etc.
Will these be high-density housing areas with cluster houses, small lots, and narrow driveways serving multiple houses?
What sort of fees will these developers pay to cover the cost of building new schools, fire stations, and expanding city services? Will the new residents pay annual assessments to cover a portion of the ongoing new costs to the city?
Joseph Ramus
Antioch
Where exactly are these proposed.
Joseph
You are right on the money.
I been hearing for the last 20 years “just one more”
And this one will “rescue” Antioch .
Has Ny of those development ” rescued ” Antioch financially ?
No. It was just talk, talk and talk.
The city does not has the capability to provide any and/ or services to
The existing population. We no economic grow , no infrastructure on place on hillcrest
No jobs, crime is out of control and the list is long
The Laurel Road connection to the Highway 4 Bypass is dependent on that particular development getting approved. That area is zoned for residential housing not only in the Zoning Ordinance, but also in the General Plan; both of which were approved over 10 years ago.
This is yet another classic example of the residents of Antioch not taking the initiative to check a few things that is right in their faces.
Notice that Mr. Ramus refers to the City Manager Weekly Reports. Weekly reports. Not to be confused with the Monthly Reports! There are also various commissions that meet monthly, bi-monthly, etc.
There is absolutely no reason to ask questions like, where are they proposed. The answers are all there, and have been there, in this case for a decade! If there is a need to be initially reviewed and also to have follow-up questions, those are on the city council agenda.
Basically, what I am reminding people to do is use the City of Antioch internet site for what it can be, informative. You don’t even need to leave the privacy of your home. You can access reports, agendas, etc. You can watch – live – city council meetings in person or from home if you have Comcast. If you can’t or don’t, a video of the proceedings are usually available within a couple of days after the meeting.
I am encouraging everyone in Antioch to become more active in what your city is doing or plans on doing. If you are not pleased for have questions, go to the meetings, write your council member, become active in what is happening around you!!
People ask questions they seek the answers to. People learn by asking questions
I don’t know why you’re coming off as this “know all” of city government. If you were, you would have recalled the Mayor already.
Now there’s some brilliant logic…
Right now there are plans for about 2,900 houses on about 900 acres in the large agricultural area between Empire Mines Rd and Heidorn Ranch Rd, south of the band of houses south of Prewett Ranch Dr. Two of the projects are still being planned: Promenade (650 units) and The Ranch (1,700 units). The other right next to the Dozier-Libby High School is called Aviano and is already approved.
The City of Antioch Planning Division website has more info. Farming and Environmental groups like BALT or Save Mount Diablo also probably have info.
Planning commission meeting for the ranch proposal is Oct 7 6:30. Last chance to voice your opinion on this project. Fill the room people!
Alan,
Thank you for reading the Herald and for your comments.
However, this is not the “last chance to voice your opinion on this project.”
This is a Preliminary Development Plan review by the Planning Commission, as requested by the applicant, according to the meeting agenda.
The Staff’s Recommendation states – “It is recommended that the Planning Commission provide feedback to the applicant and staff regarding the proposal and to provide direction to the applicant for the Final Development Plan submittal.
They will then return to the Planning Commission with their Final Development Plan, for the Commission’s recommendation to the City Council.
Then it will be on the City Council’s agenda for them to vote, as they have the final say.
Here is the link to the agenda. http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/agendas/PC/100715.pdf
Allen Payton, Publisher