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Board advances first reading to add two San Lorenzo homes to county historic register
Summary
The board held a public hearing and advanced a first reading to add two San Lorenzo properties (16026 Paseo Del Campo and 225 Via Linares) to the Alameda County Register of Historic Resources, with staff noting criteria met, Mills Act context and added language acknowledging discriminatory covenants in the area's history.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors advanced a first reading on April 10 to add two San Lorenzo homes to the Alameda County Register of Historic Resources, after a staff presentation and public testimony from the homeowner.
Dominic Lucchese of the Planning Department presented nominations for 16026 Paseo Del Campo (APN 412004508900) and 225 Via Linares (APN 413008603400), describing both as intact examples of postwar minimal or “GI” housing associated with developer David Bohannon. Lucchese said staff found both properties meet four of the six eligibility criteria under the county’s Historical Preservation Ordinance and recommended adoption of an uncodified ordinance to place them on the county register.
Lucchese summarized public input received during the nomination process and explained why staff pursued individual landmark designations rather than a historic district (district designation requires 51% approval of affected property owners). He also summarized the Mills Act — a voluntary program that can provide property‑tax relief to owners who commit to preserving historic properties — and told the board that Mills Act contracts are uncommon in the unincorporated county (one active contract) compared with about 93 contracts in Oakland.
Several supervisors and staff emphasized that the staff report now includes language acknowledging the discriminatory history of redlining and racially restrictive covenants in San Lorenzo Village. Supervisor Miley suggested non‑regulatory plaques as another option; homeowner and applicant Emmanuel Robinson, a third‑generation San Lorenzo resident, described restoring the properties and told the board the neighborhood is now diverse.
“I stand before you as a mixed race person who originally would not have been able to purchase in a community,” Robinson said, urging recognition of the neighborhood’s history and present diversity.
Chair Tam moved to waive the full first reading as amended (a non‑substantive change was proposed to add a whereas clause acknowledging current community diversity) and the board approved the motion by roll call with all present supervisors voting “Aye.” The item will return for a second reading incorporating the agreed language.
Next steps: staff will include the proposed non‑substantive amendment on the ordinance for the second reading and continue to work with community members and the Parks, Recreation and Historical Commission as appropriate.
