CV MAC Meeting: More Housing Needed

Density was the name of the game at Monday night’s land use meeting of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). Castro Valley will need to build more housing on less land to keep up with growth.

That goes for small-scale and large-scale projects, as the MAC approved a plan to build two homes where one once stood and also heard preliminary ideas about a large housing complex.

First, the MAC approved a subdivision at 3779 Somerset Avenue, which will split a single-home plot into two parcels. The existing home will be demolished, and another home and an accessory dwelling unit will be built.

As seen at many previous MAC meetings, most MAC members and public speakers spoke of a desire for more housing and an understanding that density is increasing in Castro Valley and all over, but still expressed about appearance, parking, and traffic, among other practicalities.

MAC member Ken Carbone expressed parking concerns in front of the garage for multiple households and who knows how many potential vehicles.

“That area is too short,” said Carbone. “There will be cars parked here; I guarantee it. There should be adequate parking for at least two cars there.”

But in the end, the MAC in attendance unanimously approved the project (member Shannon Killebrew was excused).

The Mac also heard an informational item about a large development proposed for Miramonte Avenue near the intersection of Saratoga Street.

Developers want to build a 33-unit residential project on a currently vacant lot. The project, still in the pre-application phase, may require a variance or rezoning to go forward, with County planning staff saying there are “conflicting zoning designations” in the area.

Neighbors who spoke had some concern about the height of the buildings, saying they wanted to be sure to preserve the views of the Bay, but they were also generally supportive of the development.

The MAC heard the item as purely informational and didn’t take any vote or action, but they were also positive about the future of the plan.

“It’s exactly what the community is looking for as far as density,” said MAC member Chuck Moore, who also praised the plan for including open space.

MAC Chair Bill Mulgrew said, “there is a lot to like about this project.”

The project will come back before the MAC in the new year with a site development review.