[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6533514,"mediaKeyId","3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054","parentId",3751966,"title","City Council approves 90-unit Oak Hill Road apartment despite neighbors' concerns","audioSeconds",7522,"startMs",3393000,"endMs",10915000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054&start=3393&end=10915","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054/thumbnail_3393000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6533514/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/City-Council-approves-90-unit-Oak-Hill-Road-apartment-despite-neighbors-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533514-3c27d4fb425e6363dc2f66b570eb03a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770695283&Signature=cyRetqDAPMQx1l5Bgtz7hv4NeKQAaAV2BRtcsplwlQtrUX5vei~UO71ekyjGl5vCVH8AJPwGBtyrC6bP1OaSDd7Ruvs9V9nXD7IC3~YvN4qaFwY63sInXUyHVZgBA83u8rqY08DyTmZ5bhMWp-3TS3w-YJPN9mRSk~B2HCTU6H11Adiy8JIks5gZqquXns21sw55HXS49D9TkU3Te-lPUV8LPBN4S1Moamb2IniJvQVae7EA0x4O17yh5eY3mWEnRGMF8LS5ySEC5OovTmDMoApCofKIhJFMPd6DFEQhdqNRGd9PMXcUfmmSCTeAp5hw7JU6Eu8kqkaHzA2TK1FDeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-11T02:04:52.807Z","article","The Lafayette City Council on June 9 approved a 90-unit, seven‑story for‑sale residential project at 1001 Oak Hill Road, finding the proposal exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and granting waivers and concessions allowed under state density‑bonus law.

The project, proposed by Project Oak Hill LLC, will replace three existing commercial buildings and include 11 below‑market units, roughly 2,000 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space, 178 parking spaces and 52 bicycle spaces. Staff and the applicant said the project meets the state law requirements that limit local review to objective standards and allow certain development concessions. \"The project is categorically exempt from CEQA,\" contract planner Jean Iceberg told the council during the staff presentation.

Why it matters: Lafayette included the site in its housing element and the project will add 90 housing units to the city’s housing supply, including units counted under both the state density‑bonus law and the city’s inclusionary ordinance. Council action followed recommendations from the Design Review Commission and Planning Commission and resolves whether state density‑bonus concessions apply and what objective waivers the council will permit.

Most important facts: The applicant requested multiple waivers to downtown objective standards and local development standards, including reduced front setbacks and upper‑story stepbacks. Under state density‑bonus calculations the project is required to provide a set number of very‑low‑income units (five, based on the base zoning), and the proposal also meets the city’s inclusionary obligations by providing a mix of moderate‑ and very‑low‑income units. Staff’s conditions of approval include requirements for final landscape plans, on‑site samples of materials and colors, undergrounding utilities at the corner of the site, a contribution toward an adjacent aqueduct pathway and additional tree‑protection conditions for off‑site protected trees.

Details, debate and public comment: The council heard a lengthy staff presentation about compliance with the housing element, the scope of waivers the state density‑bonus law allows, and the project’s proposed tree removals and mitigation. Neighbors expressed concern about building height, the massing of four stories before upper‑story stepbacks, driveway access for Terrace Way and privacy and noise impacts for adjacent residences. Tony Lombardo, an owner of a nearby property, said the development would replace the neighborhood’s views with a retaining wall and could displace tenants who work from home. Another neighbor, Ian Bayard, asked whether a retaining wall owned by a third party could be removed to improve the narrow segment of Terrace Way used for access.

Representatives of local housing‑advocacy organizations and Inclusive Lafayette urged approval, saying the project adds much‑needed housing, including below‑market units, in a transit‑served location. Raymond Amaral, representing a regional carpenters union, asked the council to consider prevailing‑wage and local‑hire requirements for construction.

The applicant said the design was shaped to reduce impacts, that utility relocation and storm‑drain questions would be resolved in the permit phase, and that the project team had met repeatedly with immediate neighbors to work through driveway and servicing concerns. Brian Griggs, representing the applicant, described landscaping on upper terraces and other changes intended to reduce visible massing and said the team would underground utilities and work with Contra Costa County Fire Protection District on access and laddering for firefighting.

Council action and technical conditions: The council adopted a resolution approving the project and the staff‑recommended conditions of approval, including a one‑year entitlement extension to two years, sample material review on‑site before construction, a requirement to underground an overhead line and transformer at the corner of the site, and final landscape plans with species, sizes and soil volumes. Councilmembers and staff noted the city’s limited discretion over certain items because the state density‑bonus statute constrains denial of concessions tied to the bonus; as a result councilmembers said their authority to deny specific waivers was narrow.

Outcome and next steps: The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution finding the project exempt from CEQA and granting the necessary waivers and concessions. Conditions require further, more detailed engineering and landscape work at the building‑permit stage; staff will check compliance with fire‑district access requirements, tree mitigation, utility relocation, final construction staging plans and required affordable‑housing agreements before issuance of building permits.

Closing note: The project will proceed to the building permit and construction phases subject to the conditions the council imposed. Neighbors and advocacy groups said they would continue to monitor final design and permit-stage details such as landscaping, driveway access and tree protection.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lafayette City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Lafayette City Council on June 9 approved a 90‑unit, seven‑story condominium project at 1001 Oak Hill Road, finding it exempt from CEQA and granting state density‑bonus waivers that allow reduced setbacks and other exceptions to local objective standards.","taxTitle","Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California","taxId",77659,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6533500,"Council adopts department work plans; Measure H revenue cited as stabilizing factor as crossing-guard funding remains unresolved",640,3735000,4375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054&start=3735&end=4375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054/thumbnail_3735000.jpg","/articles/6533500/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-adopts-department-work-plans-Measure-H-revenue-cited-as-stabilizing-factor-as-crossing-guard-funding-remains-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533500-886723af79ee9a716e0fcaf9d8659b8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770695283&Signature=ZpUca~M7-owIzGhK6YdHIe7UOZHQgLOJdfK-S3miUhDdgk8GujrlqLmePFPUBaVOM97FAPAhuD6ur~-~bgkAD5T-A2MtcK6BiZAf4WShqYFEtIDfbRuUKCdXhF2augszpeghEdaZmR2~GqejtAlq8muyxniVu8odrt~J3j~9dT2591Kx2lZQokpC0YdPLjz~9cnTYiZQPc8972NuqKWbGShc2PxvejEaE6VksY5S~7GrZ3onDpf2pUz3bJ-PbS5fXw4ZTjVHtsjv2o9kYhnEzBmEmlQCfdPrc4cFt~Nz7LkPZuUIlIjKTMam7aZZucr-Jrz3ShV64qXkdjSJli9vQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lafayette City Council on June 9 approved department work plans for fiscal year 2025‑26 and discussed the proposed budget framework, which assumes baseline receipts from the half‑cent Measure H sales tax passed by voters last fall. Councilmembers and staff emphasized fiscal discipline and recommended using any excess funds to address deferred infrastructure maintenance.

Work plans adopted: Staff told the council that departments had aligned projects to council priorities identified in a March workshop and that department heads had trimmed tasks to reflect staffing levels and mandates. The council voted to approve the multi‑department work plans as presented.

Measure H and the fiscal outlook: City staff said Measure H has stabilized the city’s near‑term finances, and the draft budget assumes $2.4 million in annual Measure H revenue (with roughly $450,000 estimated for the April‑June portion of the current fiscal year). Staff urged fiscal restraint because the five‑year model shows only a modest buffer above the city’s 60% reserve and projected increasing deficits in later years without additional revenues or spending adjustments. Staff recommended prioritizing deferred infrastructure and maintenance before committing excess funds to new ongoing programs.

Budget requests and public safety items: Staff presented several near‑term budget requests for council consideration: (1) staging school buses for red‑flag evacuation days (estimated $22,500), (2) continuing public‑works assistance for evacuation‑route vegetation clearing (estimated $30,000), (3) reclassifying a temporary staff position to regular (one‑time budget impact estimated at about $20,000 net), and (4) replenishing the traffic‑calming sinking fund (estimated $50,000). The council discussed each request and generally signaled support for evacuation route clearing and the temporary‑to‑regular staffing conversion; the traffic‑calming fund replenishment was also described as a reasonable near‑term request given pending neighborhood projects.

Crossing‑guard funding debate: Several members of the public and council discussed school crossing guards after public commenters described harassment and safety concerns near Lafayette Elementary. The Lafayette School District requested that the city assume full financial responsibility for the crossing‑guard program; the council discussed the request at length and noted operational and budgetary implications. Staff advised that the city had historically split costs with the district; staff and several councilmembers expressed reluctance to make a long‑term, open‑ended commitment without greater clarity on Measure H receipts and the results of pending infrastructure assessments. Councilmembers agreed to keep the current cost‑share structure in place for now and to consider options at the mid‑year review if more revenue clarity or a district parcel tax outcome warrants a change. The city and district agreed to continue discussions about program design and efficiencies.

Public comment and community concerns: Public speakers included parents and residents who described safety and harassment incidents near Lafayette Elementary and urged a stronger city response; other speakers urged the council to prioritize housing‑element implementation and additional public safety measures. Housing‑advocacy groups and Inclusive Lafayette spoke in support of adding housing and below‑market units in the city’s pipeline.

Next steps: Staff will finalize budget details and bring a mid‑year financial review, infrastructure‑assessment findings and final budget recommendations in subsequent meetings. The council asked staff to provide a clearer accounting of how Measure H dollars are being used and to present scenarios for allocating potential excess funds to infrastructure and one‑time needs rather than new ongoing programs.

Closing note: Councilmembers stressed fiscal restraint and said they intend to use Measure H funds to stabilize core services and address deferred maintenance while preserving flexibility to consider additional public safety investments if revenue projections improve.","Lafayette’s City Council approved department work plans for fiscal year 2025‑26 and reviewed a draft budget built around assumed Measure H sales‑tax receipts, while deferring a decision to assume full responsibility for school crossing guards.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6533506,"Council sets timeline, interview plan to fill council vacancy; clerk to advertise",993,2629000,3622000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054&start=2629&end=3622","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054/thumbnail_2629000.jpg","/articles/6533506/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Council-sets-timeline-interview-plan-to-fill-council-vacancy-clerk-to-advertise","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533506-33d42cb176e3e9df304ee98e91afcf06/orig.mp4?Expires=1770695283&Signature=G9eelKwwpZHK1oAApSEA0rZO0kghW5a5lOBu2JYy0Zg2PeciufHfpAvsP6fWASu0sncFokaqP2IZMXK0HHBewPrNB7lJ52kw6PzJGCgB0V-QGxLPuzS2gxGVIIFewrfmGJi0tXrSufzyAKsaRtSdWYUQE8bInRHt7SJZpoq0PKfK0SXQlj~EAUOHuaFZchVzF0bZmh~ZNwoAnQWAhqYN8kLQqRprnHWaf7szmR3kMv8kIaYDPdw8svsb4Xchzf7yysAsVnlztsX-PeZNddV2B7mxgpgd~Cec0ouZltvlYfBSTYxAhk7hvPYqB1B2CP-7Zabx5qw57GoTVY0gSJx2Iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lafayette City Council on June 9 formally announced a council vacancy and directed staff to run an expedited appointment process that will end with an appointed councilmember seated before the end of July.

Background and legal timing: Staff reported that Councilmember Dawson resigned effective June 1; the municipal code and government code require the council to fill a vacancy within 60 days when the term does not expire at the next regular election. City staff told the council the process used in previous vacancies (adopted in a 2019 resolution) calls for a short application window, candidate interviews and appointment to serve until the next regularly scheduled municipal election.

Council direction and schedule: The council declared the vacancy, directed the city clerk to advertise the position for two weeks and accept applications through the week before interviews, and directed the mayor and vice mayor to draft interview questions. Councilmembers agreed to schedule interviews on July 15 with a backup date of July 16 if needed, and to appoint a replacement by July 30 (the 60‑day deadline). Staff said in prior practice the council often interviewed and appointed on the same night so the appointee could be sworn in immediately; the council allowed for that option.

Public input and process concerns: Several speakers urged greater process clarity and transparency. One speaker suggested a public meeting or task force to formalize procedures used to screen and select candidates, to ensure consistent interview questions and to avoid late‑hour decisions. The council agreed that staff would bring draft interview questions to the June 23 meeting and that the council would have an opportunity for public review of the questions prior to interviews.

Outcome and next steps: The council adopted the procedural directions by motion and voice vote. Staff will advertise the vacancy, collect applications and return the draft interview questions at the June 23 meeting. Interviews are scheduled July 15 (and July 16 if necessary) with appointment no later than July 30, per the government code timeline.

Closing note: The council emphasized the need for a clear, publicly visible process and said the council will revisit whether to develop a more formalized approach to future vacancies after the current appointment is completed.","After a resignation effective June 1, the council declared a vacancy and directed the city clerk to advertise for applicants, tasked the mayor and vice mayor with drafting interview questions and scheduled interviews in mid‑July with an appointment to occur by July 30.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6533510,"Lafayette council authorizes marketing of Campana property at $3.8 million, seeks easement protections",769,2597000,3366000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054&start=2597&end=3366","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3751966-65cd119c84b5c37fa31b1c2afec9d054/thumbnail_2597000.jpg","/articles/6533510/Lafayette/Contra-Costa-County/California/Lafayette-council-authorizes-marketing-of-Campana-property-at-38-million-seeks-easement-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6533510-a12a4447635323f41a75427d0113a8d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770695283&Signature=CHJkCI4E2pzD4ww1ySLMgRJYr3XCOLMpVXBHWLP4cM2Jsz5r5MdeqzZ-EbXDIfbv0DehrGUakr0-g8MQ0Eq-12wus-xb7gGKEp4BQlKjJsHLXzIttoYtmOXEFjaaUns5gZGeuVfcq8HAiJFJeokh1S1maDDAiZ6Gyh24HxM5J~F64aRZy24JIV4UOvvwHUDg8ooqGZg4n-T4O5axSJ89CME4sfOcPDPrCrQtDg~W9~xSsBuEKe2upTMu~YGn1UZ9ikHhgmYxbN6b-jSDQk6AexIi-7I5D1HqQFX2uS1bsSG-jdnwC4JUg00ZykagOtk7F4NZCw~XuyDX40OuwpcOLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Lafayette City Council on June 9 approved putting the Campana property on the market with a $3.8 million asking price and authorized the city manager to sign a listing agreement with the broker, while asking staff to work to ensure public‑access easements discussed by the community are protected in any sale.

Why it matters: The Campana parcel had been purchased by the city as a potential piece of a larger downtown plaza/parking vision. Staff and a council subcommittee said follow‑on pieces of the larger plan (nearby properties and a fourplex) became unavailable, and the city concluded the property by itself was a difficult fit for the original vision. Councilmembers said marketing the site is a way to explore market options and possibly secure a buyer who could activate the site.

Council direction and terms: The council directed the city manager to list the property and enter into a listing agreement with John Cumberlick and Associates at an asking price of $3,800,000, and to negotiate possible conditions of sale including the placement of up to two public easements discussed during the meeting. City staff and the city engineer said the sale need not be delayed to require disclosure of the city’s intent to seek easements; if the council wishes, easement provisions can be included as sale conditions or as requirements in the purchase contract.

Public concerns and staff responses: Several residents and public‑interest commenters urged the city to ensure a public trail connection along Happy Valley Creek and to preserve parking or replace it elsewhere. David Clark, a member of the city’s CREECS committee, asked whether the listing would disclose the city’s intent to secure an access easement for an aqueduct/path connection; staff said they could include easement language in the listing terms and would commission surveys and legal descriptions as needed. Neighbor Kent Grigg asked how sale or development would affect parking for the Park Theater; staff and the city manager said the Campana purchase had not been made with parking funds and that proceeds return to the city office fund.

Outcome and next steps: The motion to instruct the city manager to list the property with the broker, include potential easement conditions and execute a listing agreement passed unanimously. The council also asked the city manager to consult with the city engineer and the broker to determine whether the asking price should be adjusted if easements are required. Staff said any easement approach would require a survey and a legal description, which may affect sale terms. Proceeds from any sale will return to the city offices fund (not to the city’s parking fund), staff said.

Closing note: The council characterized the property as a stranded asset given the failure of the larger plaza/parking vision, and chose to test the market while preserving the option to require easements or other conditions that advance city trail and public‑access goals.","The council authorized the city manager to list the Campana property for sale at $3.8 million and to sign a listing agreement, while directing staff to seek buyer commitments or contract language to preserve public trail / easement goals raised by community members.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City Council approves 90-unit Oak Hill Road apartment despite neighbors' concerns

Council adopts department work plans; Measure H revenue cited as stabilizing factor as crossing-guard funding remains unresolved

Council sets timeline, interview plan to fill council vacancy; clerk to advertise

Lafayette council authorizes marketing of Campana property at $3.8 million, seeks easement protections