In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed the rezoning of a 31-acre site, primarily focused on the development of affordable housing. The meeting featured key participants including Liz Bridal, supervisor for the rezoning team, and Fred Glick from the applicant team, who addressed concerns raised by council members regarding the implications of the rezoning.

Council President Sandoval initiated the discussion, questioning why the entire site was being rezoned when only a portion is currently planned for development. Glick explained that the majority of the site is not slated for immediate development, with the exception of a specific area designated for affordable housing. He noted that discussions with neighboring communities had occurred, but a formal development agreement was not pursued due to the lack of a comprehensive development plan for the entire site.

Sandoval expressed concerns about the potential for future redevelopment and the absence of a community benefit agreement, particularly in a neighborhood that has experienced significant gentrification and displacement. She emphasized the importance of negotiating terms that would ensure affordable housing and community benefits, especially given the site's size and historical context.

The meeting also highlighted the complexities of parking regulations under the current zoning code, which have posed challenges for existing tenants in the area. Glick acknowledged these issues and reiterated the city's commitment to updating zoning codes to better align with community needs and priorities.

Rebecca Arnold from SKB, the company managing the site, provided insights into the ongoing efforts to revitalize the area, noting that they have attracted a diverse range of tenants and are nearing 80% occupancy. She emphasized the importance of community engagement in their development strategy.

As the meeting concluded, council members remained divided on the rezoning proposal, with some advocating for a more cautious approach that would allow for further community input and negotiation on the future of the site. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing development needs with community concerns in a rapidly changing urban landscape.