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Residents and business leaders urge Moraga council to advance economic development tied to more housing
Summary
Several residents and business leaders used the public‑comment period to urge council action on economic development and infill housing around Moraga's two commercial centers, arguing that more housing will attract retail and help workers who cannot afford to live in town.
Multiple speakers during the Feb. 25 public‑comment period urged the council to press forward on the town's economic development initiative and housing‑focused infill in the Moraga Center and Rheem shopping areas.
Ron (Ron) Schumacher, owner of Moraga Motors, told council he had contacted planning staff about his business and was told "don't bother" and "it's not gonna happen. You're not a priority." He asked the council to help resolve his business's planning concerns.
Mark Orcutt, president and CEO of the East Bay Leadership Council, praised the council's economic development efforts and offered regional partnership support for building successful business districts. Long‑time residents including Ellen Beanes and Renee Zimer praised the council's housing element planning and said proposed affordable projects (a 49‑unit senior building and other infill) would help attract retail and revitalize shopping centers.
Andrew Michaud framed his comments around intergenerational neighborhoods and urged that debate over development remain civil: "Affordable housing, walkable retail, places where grandparents can live nearby," he said, describing the general plan as a way to "build on those shared spaces" rather than tear them down.
Council members later cited a large volume of supportive emails from residents (the mayor noted roughly 30 messages) when discussing next steps for the town's economic development initiative.
No formal action was taken on individual private applications during public comment; council members used the input to reaffirm the town's direction on infill housing and outreach to developers.
