Antioch Council considers new Black Diamond Ranch development, reviews Strategic Management Plan
By Nick Goodrich
At their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, the Antioch City Council reviewed the city’s Strategic Management Plan and approved the use of one-time city revenues. Later that evening, a public hearing was held to discuss developer Discovery Builder’s proposed development plan in the Black Diamond Ranch residential area, off of Somersville Road.
Originally proposed as “The Pointe” in 2006, the City Council completed its review of the development project and denied it last year. The Pointe would have involved the construction of 60 homes, including the significant grading of the hill in the center, and consideration for hillside development.
Shortly after The Pointe’s rejection, Discovery Builders amended the plan, which now calls for the construction of only 17 homes, several of which would be custom-built on the hillsides of Black Diamond Ranch. The new project adheres more strictly to Antioch’s hillside development policies, but is unable to completely avoid visual impacts caused by proposed homes on the ridge lines.
Residents of Black Diamond Ranch showed up in opposition to the project, particularly those living on Torgensen Court, which, under the proposed plan, would be converted into a street through which the new homes could be accessed. Darcy Johnson, a resident of Torgensen, seemed to speak the consensus opinion among the area’s residents. She saw no problem with the construction of new houses, but strongly opposed converting Torgensen into a through street.
“Putting a road through Torgensen is not what we agreed to,” she stated.
Another resident, Juan Pablo Galvan, cited a city regulation that states that any land on which a development project has been proposed and denied must revert back to open space. The Council appeared unsure as to the validity of Galvan’s statement, with several Council Members stating that they were not aware of such a regulation, but promised to look into the matter before proceeding with the application process.
Discovery Builders and the city agreed to work on a compromise that would entail upholding the integrity of Torgensen Court while still allowing for development in the area, with Mayor Wade Harper stating, “I am not opposed to reasonable development.”
The city’s Strategic Management Plan was also briefly reviewed during Tuesday’s meeting. Approved in June of last year as a tool to guide the City Council and staff in the correct implementation of city policies, Antioch’s Strategic Plan aims to recognize significant city problems and opportunities, define long-term goals, and identify short-term objectives to keep the city moving forward. The talk on Tuesday centered around the goal to make the document accessible and amendable to future City Council Members.
Mayor Harper stated his goal is to make the Plan “a living, breathing document” that would effectively guide the city for years to come. Council Member Mary Rocha also stressed the fact that further public input is needed to make the document as efficient as possible in meeting the needs of the city and its residents. The Strategic Plan will continue to be reviewed and amended during future council meetings as the city strives to make it a cornerstone of progress for Antioch.
The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, between West Second and Third Streets in downtown Antioch. Council meetings can be viewed on Comcast local cable access Channel 24 or via live streaming on the city’s website, www.ci.antioch.ca.us.
