Escalon council denies rezoning for 17-unit mixed-use project at Jackson Avenue and Highway 120

The Escalon City Council voted 4-1 to deny a planned-development rezone for a proposed mixed‑use project at the northeast corner of Jackson Avenue and State Route 120, a project applicant and the city described as 17 apartment units and two 900‑square‑foot commercial pads on a 0.89‑acre lot.

City planner Jalen French told the council the site is currently zoned C‑2 (community commercial) and that multifamily residential is permitted in C‑2 only through a planned development (PD) process. He said the application would require two readings of an ordinance and, if approved, would take effect 30 days after the second reading.

The project proponent and architect portrayed the development as a response to local housing demand. Architect Mark Lee of Lee Jaybo Architecture said the design is “residential character” with two‑story garden‑style apartments and argued apartments can reduce vehicle trips compared with other commercial uses. “This project is offering that opportunity for those…