The Fresno City Council rejected a proposed market-rate apartment complex in northwest Fresno on Thursday night after scores of neighbors vehemently opposed it, saying it would disrupt traffic and possibly bring unwanted people to the area. Despite city staff saying that the developer went above and beyond design requirements, councilmember Mike Karbassi said the 82-unit, four-story complex was too close to nearby Herndon Avenue. Planning and Development Director Jennifer Clark previously approved the complex’s distance of 68 feet from Herndon.
The council voted 4-3 against the project, with Karbassi, Garry Bredefeld, Tyler Maxwell, and Luis Chavez opposed. Council President Annalisa Perea and members Miguel Arias and Nelson Esparza supported it. The denial, Karbassi said, overcomes any legal liability the city may have in turning down a housing project that meets zoning and code requirements.
Project partner Lincoln Owensby said before the vote, “If the project were denied tonight, we would explore avenues of moving it forward, we have to, we’re invested in it a substantial amount.” He added that state and city laws protect the project. Project proponent said the units would rent for $2,200 to $2,400 a month.
Arias: Neighbors Might Not Like What Comes Next And, Arias warned residents that turning down the project may result in a new project they would less amenable to — one more dense that includes affordable housing. Under law, the complex could have up to 150 uni.