Developers pitch scaled ‘missing middle’ plan for 1800 Lincoln Avenue as neighbors warn of traffic, two‑story impacts

Developers for a proposed housing project at 1800 Lincoln Avenue presented a neighborhood‑sensitive concept to the Calistoga City Council on June 23, while dozens of nearby residents urged major changes to protect safety, privacy and open space.

Greg Desmond, the city’s planning and building director, introduced the Hamburger family team. Developer Adam Hemberger said the 8.36‑acre property was identified as an opportunity site and that by‑right state entitlements could allow much higher density; the family seeks a negotiated development agreement to design a lower‑density, reviewable project that would include a mix of apartments, townhomes and single‑family homes. "We have held on tight to this because that's not Calistoga," Hemberger said, explaining the family’s intent to shape a project that fits the town.

Brian Griggs of Diamond Construction and Jeff Stone, the company’s CEO, described multiple design iterations and neighborhood outreach. Griggs said the team aims to deliver missing‑middle units and avoid the larger density bonuses that can be triggered under state law: "We're pro housing. We think the right project in the right location makes sense," he said.

The audience reaction was strong and sustained. Stuart Schwartz, a View Road resident, said the plan’s current iteration would put two‑story houses 15 feet from back fences and route new traffic onto narrow View Road, creating hazards for pedestrians and children. "View Road cannot accept that bunch of traffic," he said. Other neighbors raised similar concerns about storm‑water run‑off, the need to preserve heritage oaks, and the visual impact of two‑story units overlooking single‑story backyards.

Speakers urged specific mitigations: locate two‑story units away from existing yards, create a planted green belt along fence lines, avoid routing primary vehicle access onto View Road, and design setbacks that preserve privacy. Several residents also pressed for clarity on flood‑plain and fill issues after commenters noted winter mist and low field elevations near the site.

Council members commended the developers for choosing a negotiated development path rather than pursuing a buy‑right approval that could deliver much higher density. Council Member Eisenberg asked the team to consider ownership opportunities so middle‑income buyers could accrue equity, and Vice Mayor Giff praised the willingness to engage the community.

Developers asked for direction about whether the council would support pursuing a development agreement that could enable deed restrictions on affordability levels and different density outcomes. Jeff Stone told the council the team had completed several designs and sought guidance on inclusionary housing percentages to shape the next iteration. "What I do also need to know is how I'm gonna run a process and how collaborative it's gonna be with the city," he said.

Next steps: no formal action was taken at the meeting. Developers said they would continue neighborhood meetings and return with revised designs; council members signaled support for continued, collaborative design work and asked staff to advise on the development‑agreement path and potential deed‑restriction options.