Safeway Asks City For Shadelands Zoning Change

The City Council on Tuesday will hold a public hearing on a "pre-application" by Safeway Stores Inc. to consider a change of zoning from Business Park to General Retail in the southeast corner of the Shadelands Business Park.

Council members earlier this year discussed ideas for revitalizing the business park. Among those were senior housing and educational institutions, medical offices and a grocery store complex, according to a city staff report on the "pre-application."

Safeway officials told the Contra Costa Times that a new store would be part of any development of the undeveloped land, without comment on the status of an existing Safeway market a stone's throw away (well, it would be a good heave for Giants outfielder Nate Schierholtz) across Ygnacio Valley Road in the Encina Grande shopping center.

City staff is recommending consideration of this proposal "through a community-led specific plan process that provides a comprehensive study of development alternatives and impacts."

If the council authorizes an exploration of a change in land use designation, the preparation of a specific plan for this site will take some two years, including an environmental impact report, according to the staff report.

The council has a tiered meeting agenda Tuesday. At 5 p.m. there is a study session to consider the 10-year Capital Investment Program. At 6 p.m., the council is due to go into closed session to consider a performance evaluation of the city manager, and negotiations with multiple bargaining units.

Then the council is scheduled to emerge in public session again, to consider the Shadelands matter and other agenda items, at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 1666 Main St.