Developer Laura Duto presents Lafayette housing project focused on community and sustainability

The Lafayette City Council meeting held on July 15, 2025, focused on a proposed housing development project aimed at enhancing community sustainability and preserving local heritage. Local developer Laura Duto presented her vision for the project, emphasizing its commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship.

Duto began by introducing herself and her deep local roots, highlighting her family's long-standing connection to Lafayette. She outlined the project’s location, situated behind a memorial and conveniently across from the BART station, which she noted would reduce the need for extensive parking. Duto assured the council that the memorial would remain protected, as an easement has been recorded to ensure its preservation.

The presentation detailed the extensive planning process, which included multiple iterations of the site plan to address community feedback. Duto emphasized the importance of preserving a significant oak tree and creating a village green for community use. She also discussed the adjustments made to enhance pedestrian safety, including the addition of sidewalks and the filling of a nearby culvert to improve access.

Key features of the proposed housing include a mix of unit types designed to meet the needs of various demographics, particularly empty nesters and first-time buyers. Duto explained that the development aims to provide "missing middle" housing options, with units designed to encourage community interaction and a walkable environment.

During the public comment period, resident Jim Bava expressed concerns about potential lighting and noise from the project, particularly as he lives adjacent to the site. The council addressed these concerns, confirming that while there would be no street lights, pathway lighting would be considered to ensure safety.

Council members praised Duto for her responsiveness to community input and her thoughtful design approach. They discussed the importance of ensuring that affordable units comply with density bonus laws, adding a condition to the project’s approval to guarantee that these units are sold to qualified applicants.

In conclusion, the council expressed support for the project, recognizing its potential to enhance Lafayette's housing landscape while maintaining the community's character. The meeting underscored the collaborative effort between developers and residents to create a sustainable and inclusive environment in Lafayette.