City Council Clears The Way For Pulte Homes To Submit Plans For Tice Valley Development

The Walnut Creek City Council told Pulte Homes representatives Tuesday night they can move forward and submit plans to build 81 homes on the former site of the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center.

The developer is requesting a general plan amendment on 5.2 acres of the site to rezone the land from open space/recreational to multi-family medium.

The developer’s plans call for construction of 81 detached residential units. The center and the pool on the site would likely be demolished while the gym would remain.

Pulte officials asked the council if they would consider the general plan amendment before they move ahead with their proposal.

More than 50 people attended the session in a third floor conference room in City Hall.

A Pulte home representative said most of the homes would be between 1,700 square feet and 2,000 square feet. The maximum height would be 35 feet.

The representative said the units would be ideal for first-time homebuyers as well as people who want to move out of a condominium into something a little larger.

However, people who live close were staunchly opposed.

They said the project would ruin the quality of life in their neighborhood as well as make traffic on Tice Valley Boulevard even worse than it is now.

They said the development is more appropriate for the downtown area, not their semi-rural neighborhood where homes now sit on half-acre and one-acre lots.

Jill Bragg, who lives next to the site, said this project would completely change the character of the area.

"This valley is so beautiful," said Bragg. "I hate to see the environmental impact this will have."

Bragg suggested the city keep the center and use it for recreational purposes and classes. She said a development with fewer homes and bigger lots might be more acceptable.

"It's just not the right setting," she said. "This is a huge injustice to our area."

Jill Wright, another nearby resident, said the new multi-story homes would block her views and increase traffic.

"I'm very upset about this," she said. "This is the same as building apartments."

George Cutler, who also lives close by, said homes on quarter-acre lots would be more reasonable.

"That might be a project that would fit in better," he said.

Other residents were opposed to any development on the site.

They suggested the property be used for open space or athletic fields.

However, council members said the land can't be converted to city use because it's private property.

The Jewish Community Center was abruptly closed in December 2011 after officials said they could no longer afford to keep it open. Two months ago, Pulte Homes entered into escrow to purchase the site.

Council members noted the buildings on the property are starting to deteriorate and plans need to be made.

"We have to be willing to look at options for the site," said Councilman Bob Simmons.

Councilwoman Kristina Lawson agreed and also chided the audience for some of their heated remarks.

"I'm frankly astounded by some of the vitriol I've heard in the room," she said.

She said the council needs to welcome development plans in its growing city.

"We are not closed for business," she said.