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Developer proposes 274-unit 'Harvest At Newark' market-rate community adjacent to Ohlone Center
Summary
Lewis Group presented 'Harvest At Newark', a proposed 274‑unit rental community on surplus college land including duplexes and townhomes, describing gated design, private amenities and trail connections; council members pressed on public access, parking and compatibility with student housing.
Todd Chambers of the Lewis Group presented the market‑rate housing component associated with the Ohlone College Newark campus, calling the project “Harvest At Newark” and describing 274 rental units split between what he called 116 backyard duplexes and 108 three‑story townhomes. Chambers said the company intends a private, long‑term rental community with on‑site property management and typical amenities such as a clubhouse, pool, fitness center, dog park and robust guest parking.
Chambers told the council Lewis opted to process entitlements through the city rather than through the college and noted that in June 2023 the state housing agency designated the property as surplus land and exempted it from certain state affordable housing requirements. He said the project emphasizes walkability and connectivity to campus trails and that Lewis would explore pedestrian gates and trail nodes that link to the college.
Council members pressed on public access, connectivity and the gated nature of the development. Council Member Grandahl expressed concern about trails being disconnected or gated off; Chambers responded the development would be gated and noted the community would include pedestrian gates and connections where feasible but that amenities inside Lewis’s private community would be intended for residents. When asked about the rental model Chambers confirmed “They all are rental. Yes.”
Chambers presented parking and design details, saying most units include direct‑access two‑car garages and that Lewis plans to provide more guest parking than the city’s minimum. He also described outreach and the project’s place in the city’s Area 3 and 4 specific plan context.
The presentation was informational; staff confirmed the developer’s planning application had been deemed complete and that the CEQA review process has begun. Councilors asked staff and applicants to continue working on connectivity with the college and community access to trails and retail.
