Residents urge relocation of proposed Oakdale–Morrill permanent housing project

Several Riverbank residents told the Planning Commission on April 15 they oppose a proposed permanent housing project at Oakdale and Morrill Road and urged the city to seek alternative locations.

Mary Chris, who identified herself as "a proud resident of Riverbank," said the proposal "does not align with the character or intent" of the city's planning documents and asked the commission to "enforce the standards set in the General Plan and Crossroads Specific Plan," noting those plans "reflect the values, priorities, and long term goals of our community." She suggested alternative locations such as Seventh and Front Street.

Karen Conrado, who lives on Hoag Road, raised environmental and infrastructure concerns about a related development called the Riverwalk project, saying productive agricultural land, aquifers, the Stanislaus River wildlife habitat and floodplain designation could be affected. Conrado urged commissioners to "read and analyze the facts presented" by citizens and agencies that have submitted materials about the proposal.

Michael Christie, a resident of the Crossroads area, said he supports homeless services generally but opposes locating a tiny-home project at Oakdale and Morrill because of its proximity to a sports complex and a future K-8 Sylvan District elementary school. Christie said the Oakdale and Morrill site is among the most expensive land in Riverbank and suggested Seventh and Front Street as a more economical alternative. He also asked whether there is interest or submittals for the 250-unit apartment site identified for Crossroads West; planning staff later said no submittal had yet been received.

These remarks occurred during the public comment period; none of the items referenced were before the commission for formal action that evening. Commissioners did not take action on the Oakdale/Morrill site at the April 15 meeting.