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Council reinstates De Novo contract for downtown vision work; council clarifies it will not study downtown TOD
Summary
The Tracy City Council on Jan. 21 approved a resolution reinstating a professional services agreement with De Novo Planning Group to advance downtown planning work including a downtown vision plan, design guidelines and amendments to the central business district zoning.
Lede: The Tracy City Council on Jan. 21 approved a resolution reinstating a professional services agreement with De Novo Planning Group to advance downtown planning work including a downtown vision plan, design guidelines and amendments to the central business district zoning.
Nut graf: The motion drew public comment from residents concerned that the work could be used to revisit transit‑oriented development (TOD) after Measure Y was rejected by voters in 2020. A City staff member told council and the public, “We are not spending these funds on a downtown TOD,” and the council approved the item.
Body: Planning staff said the reinstated agreement will allow the city to continue downtown‑focused design work and zoning amendments that were given fresh direction on Oct. 1, 2024. During public comment, speaker Angela English — a planning‑commission member and vocal Measure Y opponent — urged the council to omit TOD from the scope, saying Measure Y was defeated and ValleyLink did not commit to a downtown stop.
A staff speaker confirmed during the public record: “We are not spending these funds on a downtown TOD. Thank you.” After public comment the council voted to approve the item; roll call recorded unanimous support for the motion as amended.
Votes at a glance: - Consent Item 1(g) — Resolution reinstating a professional services agreement with De Novo Planning Group for downtown work: Motion made by Councilmember Evans, second by Councilmember Bedoya; Vote: Abercrombie yes, Nygaard yes, Bedoya yes, Evans yes, Mayor Areola yes — Approved. - Consent Item 1(i) — Public improvements for Tract 3804, Larkspur Estates: Motion to approve (mover not specified in record); Councilmember Evans recused from the item; Vote: Mayor Pro Tem Abercrombie yes, Councilmember Bedoya yes, Councilmember Nygaard yes, Mayor Areola yes — Approved. - Consent Item 1(k) — Appointment of Raj Dillon to the Transportation Advisory Commission: Motion made by Councilmember Evans, second by Councilmember Nygaard; Vote: Evans yes, Nygaard yes, Bedoya yes, Abercrombie yes, Mayor Areola yes — Approved.
Ending: The city manager and planning staff will proceed under the revised De Novo contract to prepare draft design guidelines and central business district zoning changes; staff emphasized the work will address downtown design and zoning, not a study to revive a downtown TOD.
