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Developer previews 36‑home proposal for 5311 Central Avenue; council asks for broader planning and affordability detail
Summary
Robson Homes presented a concept to redevelop a 3.9‑acre former lumber yard at 5311 Central Avenue with 36 for‑sale homes requiring general‑plan and zoning amendments; council requested coordinated planning for adjacent industrial parcels, clearer inclusionary housing outcomes and possible ADU/junior‑ADU strategies.
Developer Mark Robson presented a preliminary study‑session concept on June 23 to convert the Halbert Lumber site at 5311 Central Avenue into 36 for‑sale homes. The site is currently designated and zoned limited industrial, so Robson said a general‑plan amendment and rezoning would be required for any formal application.
Robson described the concept as a "missing‑middle" product: two‑and‑a‑half‑story homes on roughly 3,000‑square‑foot lots with small backyards to provide family‑style for‑sale housing near existing neighborhoods. To meet the city's inclusionary requirements, his team proposed providing the below‑market‑rate (BMR) units off site—by acquiring and deed‑restricting existing homes in Newark—rather than building affordable units on the project parcel.
Staff and council members pushed back on piecemeal conversions of light industrial areas and urged consideration of a more comprehensive land‑use approach for adjacent parcels, noting different ownerships and the opportunity to coordinate a larger plan. Council members also asked the developer to study two design changes: incorporating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) or junior ADUs to increase affordable supply and exploring pocket park space or undergrounded stormwater systems to preserve open play areas.
On fees and timing, staff said an impact‑fee update is underway and would be complete later in the year; any fees would be applied when the developer submits a formal entitlement application. Robson said off‑site BMR purchases can speed delivery of affordable units and indicated willingness to sequence market‑rate occupancy around affordable delivery if required.
Why it matters: The project would convert an industrial parcel to housing in a part of Newark where staff said carefully weighing industrial retention versus housing conversion is important for the city's land‑use strategy. The council signaled support for concept feedback but asked for broader study and more detailed affordability commitments before a formal application.
What comes next: Staff will incorporate council feedback; the developer may submit a formal application, triggering environmental review and community hearings on the proposal.
