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Council certifies EIR and approves PUD, advancing Almond Acres housing project
Summary
The Soledad City Council certified the environmental impact report and approved a planned-unit development and vesting tentative map for Almond Acres, clearing the way for 55 single-family homes and a multifamily affordable parcel; the project includes requirements for pedestrian connectivity, a sound wall and park impact fees.
The Soledad City Council on July 1 certified the environmental impact report for the Almond Acres project and approved a planned unit development (PUD) and vesting tentative subdivision map to allow a 12.48-acre subdivision off Orchard Lane and Cedar Lane.
Staff said the application (PUD-240002 / TM24003) would create 55 single-family homes and a multifamily affordable housing parcel, while an existing 18-unit mobile home park on the site would remain. The Senior Planner told the council the developer must provide on-site streets to city standards, construct a pedestrian pathway to improve neighborhood connectivity and meet design and fencing conditions in Exhibit A. The council also adopted mitigation, monitoring and reporting measures tied to the environmental certification.
Proponents in the chamber told the council the project would add needed housing in Soledad. One resident said, “We need more people who can afford housing in Soledad,” and described hope that families like hers could one day buy a home in town. Neighbors expressed concerns about the durability and maintenance of new fencing next to the mobile home park; staff and the planner said the project conditions require compliant fencing (maximum 6 feet for residential) and that long-term maintenance will be handled through property owners and, if necessary, code enforcement or an assessment district for the sound wall.
The council cited park impact fees and a required assessment-district process for maintenance of any dedicated sound wall. Staff said final sound-wall and fencing designs will be approved before construction permits are issued and that park impact fees will be collected through the permit process.
The council approved the resolution certifying the EIR and the ordinance reading by the required vote of the members present. The council noted the project had been before them previously and that these approvals complete the second hearing step required before final maps and construction permits return for ministerial or subsequent council review.
