Fresno council adopts West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan after years of community process

Fresno City Council voted to adopt the West Area Neighborhoods Specific Plan on Oct. 16 after a multi‑year planning process that the city and community say aims to coordinate housing, parks, transit and street improvements west of State Route 99.

The council acted after a staff presentation and nearly three hours of public comment and council discussion. Casey Lauderdale, a planner on the Long‑Range Planning team, summarized the plan’s goals and described outreach that began in 2018 and included a steering committee, more than 60 meetings and multiple public surveys. “The community members and the steering committee made it known…they envision a West area that has enhanced infrastructure, new development that respects existing ag and rural residential, a diversity of housing stock, more parks and recreational spaces, including a flagship regional park,” Lauderdale said.

Supporters—including nonprofit and neighborhood leaders—told the council the plan addresses long‑standing gaps in sidewalks, safe routes to schools, parks and retail services. “This plan changes that narrative,” said April Henry, executive director of Highway City Community Development Corporation. She and other speakers urged the council to approve…