Selma council adopts Amberwood development agreement, orders alley trash review and waives fees for legacy festivals

The Selma City Council on Feb. 3 approved several items intended to advance housing, public events and day‑to‑day services while directing staff and outside contractors to return with follow‑ups on infrastructure and service gaps.

The council voted unanimously to adopt a 25‑year development agreement and Environmental Impact Report addendum for the Amberwood specific plan, clearing the way for the first phase of roughly 297 lots and for reimbursement of an $8 million sewer trunk line tied to the project. The agreement sets how infrastructure and services will be funded (through landscape/lighting or community facilities districts), preserves developers’ vested fee calculations (indexed by CPI) and includes development‑timing milestones. Deputy City Manager (identified in the meeting as Deputy City Manager) presented the agreement and said the contract establishes long‑range obligations for parks, street widenings and public safety improvements. Representatives of Lennar Homes — Tom Davis and Ravi Mikidesh — described plans to begin phase one construction in mid‑2026 with an anticipated two‑to‑three‑year absorption for the initial map. After public comment from supporters and two property‑owner representatives, the council voted to approve the agreement. The motion carried by roll call (yes: 5, no: 0).

On solid‑waste service the council responded to heavy public pushback after households were moved from alley pickup to curbside collection last year. Mid Valley Disposal and city staff presented a new alley map identifying alleys currently safe for service (marked green) and alleys needing repairs, tree trimming or utility adjustments (marked red). Council approved a two‑step direction: (1)…