MAC Hands Victory to Urban Gardeners

Castro Valley took a step closer to getting back to its agricultural roots, as the Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) approved an ordinance that will establish urban agricultural incentives zones in Castro Valley.

Under the ordinance, agricultural uses like gardens and orchards would be incentivized in urban areas where such uses are already permitted—so don’t expect a field of corn on Castro Valley Boulevard, but you may see small-scale agricultural uses in more remote areas of town.

“I think this would be a good thing to offer,” said MAC member Chuck Moore, who has long been a proponent of the agricultural community in Castro Valley.

The vote was 6-1, with MAC member Ilya Prokopoff dissenting.

In other MAC actions: things will continue swimmingly at Patti’s Swim School, as the MAC approved a one-year extension on a conditional use permit for the school at their Monday night meeting.

The school, serving about 30 students and located at 4621 James Avenue, currently has a number of small compliance issues including parking and traffic concerns, but the MAC approved a one-year extension that will allow them to continue to operate, suggesting staggered drop off/ start times for classes to avoid crowding the road.

The MAC also heard an informational item from the County regarding updates to the existing Ashland Cherryland Community Health and Wellness Element. This is part of the County’s General Plan that focuses on the Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, and parts of Castro Valley and San Lorenzo especially.

In 2016, the state Senate passed a bill (SB 1000) that established environmental justice requirements for all cities and counties in California. The Alameda County Community Development Agency is in the process of preparing the “environmental justice element” and plans to present it for adoption by the Board of Supervisors by the end of next year.

The environmental justice element means identifying goals and policies to reduce health risks in disadvantaged communities. Goals include reducing pollution, promoting equitable access to food and physical activity, and promoting engagement in the public decision-making process.

The MAC will next meet on Monday, November 15 for a General Purpose session.