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Council pauses Chapman Corridor plan after staff presentation and public outcry over heights, parking and displacement
Summary
Staff presented the Chapman Corridor Revitalization Plan and recommended CEQA exemption and zoning amendments; after hours of public comment and questions about heights, parking, displacement and eminent‑domain fears, the council voted 3–0 (2 not voting) to continue the item so all five members can decide.
Mayor Kerwin opened the evening session and introduced the Chapman Corridor public hearing, asking Development Services Director Joe Lambert to present the proposed specific plan, land‑use and zoning changes.
"Before you tonight is general plan amendment 20 25 0 1 zoning code amendment 20 25 0 3 and specific plan amendment 20 25 0 1 and this is related to the Chapman Corridor revitalization plan," Lambert told the council, outlining outreach since 2022, the plan's four corridor districts, proposed 'multifamily flex' and single‑family flex designations, and staff recommendations including a resolution finding the plan categorically exempt under CEQA and introducing a zoning ordinance for first reading.
Lambert said the plan is intended to be conservative compared with the 2019 general‑plan assumptions, noting the target build‑out in the plan is lower than earlier projections. He also told the council the city will not pursue eminent domain as part of the project and that infrastructure and streetscape improvements would occur incrementally and generally be funded by development impact fees.
Community members provided extensive comment both for and against the plan. Supporters emphasized walkability, bike infrastructure and economic revitalization near Kramer Park; opponents raised repeated concerns about parking, traffic, building heights near existing single‑family homes and condominium complexes (notably the Cinnamon Tree area), and the possibility of displacement. Several speakers asked for clearer per‑parcel maps showing maximum allowed heights and more multilingual outreach.
Residents also cited recent state legislation and regional planning pressures. Richard Salazar warned the council that a new state law (SB 79) could alter local zoning near transit hubs, a point staff said they were monitoring.
After more than four hours of presentation and public comment, Mayor Kerwin said he preferred to wait for the full five‑member council to take final action. "I'm gonna recommend that we continue this item," he said. Councilmember Hummer moved to continue the item; the council voted 3 yes, 2 not voting to table the plan to the next meeting so staff can provide a condensed set of proposed changes, a per‑parcel height map and additional community‑engagement options.
