Antioch Council to Revisit Controversial Housing Projects Today

UPDATE: The Antioch City Council is set to urgently discuss two controversial housing projects linked to a developer embroiled in an alleged corruption scheme. Councilmembers will revisit the proposals for the Slatten Ranch Townhomes and Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 today, September 26, 2023, after strong objections were raised in a previous meeting.

Today’s discussions come at a critical juncture as councilmembers grapple with the pressures of state housing laws that some say force urban areas like Antioch to accept developments that could harm long-term economic goals. The council’s scrutiny of these projects follows an alarming corruption case involving DeNova Homes Inc., where federal prosecutors charged the company’s former owner and vice president with bribery attempts aimed at influencing a council vote.

The Slatten Ranch project aims to build 129 townhome units on a 6.41-acre site located north of Wicklow Way and east of Slatten Ranch Road. Meanwhile, the Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 is part of a larger 23-acre project that includes various residential and commercial developments. Both projects are being pushed forward under the controversial SB 330 law, which restricts local governments from delaying housing projects without specific justifications.

During last month’s council meeting, Councilmember Donald Freitas expressed deep concerns, stating, “I don’t think these two projects benefit the community…we are losing very valuable property for economic development.” His comments highlight the ongoing tension between local governance and state mandates regarding housing development.

Mayor Ron Bernal echoed these sentiments, calling the situation a “taste of Senate Bill 330,” indicating that council members are facing the practical implications of new housing legislation that limits their authority. “We are more or less mandated to approve projects, whether we like them or not,” he said.

Legal representatives for DeNova Homes argue that the city has no legal grounds to reject the projects, citing clear compliance with Antioch’s zoning standards and the Housing Accountability Act. Attorney Dan Golub emphasized that denying these developments without substantial evidence of public health or safety risks could lead to severe consequences for the city.

The planning commission has recommended the council approve the vesting tentative subdivision map and design reviews for both projects. A staff report warns that local governments rejecting housing projects could face serious ramifications under the Housing Accountability Act.

As the council convenes today, all eyes will be on the outcome, particularly given the high stakes involved for the community and the future of housing in Antioch. Residents and officials alike are eager to see whether the council will prioritize community input or yield to state pressures.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops. The implications of today’s decisions could shape the housing landscape in Antioch for years to come.