Antioch Council to Revisit Controversial Housing Projects Today

UPDATE: The Antioch City Council is set to urgently revisit two controversial housing projects today, September 26, 2023, linked to a developer embroiled in a corruption scandal. The projects, Slatten Ranch Townhomes and Wildflower Station Townhomes 2, are facing scrutiny as councilmembers previously expressed concerns over state housing laws that pressure urban areas like Antioch to approve developments that may not benefit the community.

During a heated meeting last month, councilmembers voiced frustrations about the implications of Senate Bill 330, which restricts local governments from delaying housing approvals based on land use and zoning laws. As city officials prepare to discuss these matters, the potential impact on Antioch’s long-term economic development remains critical.

The proposed Slatten Ranch project aims to build 129 townhome units on a 6.41-acre site, while Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 is part of a larger mixed-use development encompassing 23 acres. Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of affordable housing units within these developments, especially given DeNova Homes’ controversial background.

In April 2023, federal prosecutors charged executives from DeNova Homes with corruption, alleging they attempted to bribe a councilmember to influence a prior housing project vote. This revelation has cast a shadow over today’s discussions, with councilmember Donald Freitas suggesting a delay to re-evaluate the proposals thoroughly. “People elect us to make decisions that benefit the community,” Freitas stated. “These projects could be a detriment to our long-term goals.”

Mayor Ron Bernal emphasized that the council is grappling with the realities of state legislation that forces compliance on housing matters, stating, “This is our first opportunity to actually see the effects of SB 330.” The law restricts local jurisdictions from rejecting residential developments unless specific public health or safety risks are documented and cannot be mitigated.

Legal representatives for DeNova Homes assert that the projects align with Antioch’s General Plan and zoning standards. Attorney Dan Golub warned that any rejection of the proposals could violate the Housing Accountability Act, which mandates approval for housing projects meeting all objective standards unless valid reasons are provided.

As the council prepares for today’s discussion, the stakes are high. Local governments could face severe consequences for defying the Housing Accountability Act, with staff reports indicating that housing projects meeting objective criteria can only be denied based on specific, documented risks.

Residents and city officials alike are anxiously awaiting the outcome of today’s meeting. The decisions made could significantly impact Antioch’s housing landscape, economic development, and community well-being.

Stay tuned as we provide live updates on this developing story.