(UNION CITY, CA.) Progress for the Lazuli Landing project is well underway.
The bulk of this meeting is spent discussing aspects of the affordable housing project set to be ready for occupancy in mid-2027.
Prominent aspects of the project affecting residents in the area include noise levels, lane and sidewalk closures, and various construction vehicles that must be in the area, such as concrete trucks.
These concerns are first presented after a request made by Leslie Carmichael from Urban Planning Partners. She expresses her wish to extend construction hours during weekdays from 8am to 8pm to 6am-11pm instead.
Photo Credit: Granicus.com / Union City
"To start early means fewer concrete pour days. If you make them start later, then you're looking at additional days and we think that's more disruptive to the neighborhood”
Affordable housing projects are becoming a focal point in other cities across the country as well, including Pensacola, FL., where the Urban Core Development Board is pushing for affordable housing and in Charlotte, NC., which began affordable housing plans in Oct. of last year.
Following her proposal, members of the Planning Commission inquire about the procedures set in place regarding noise levels and traffic control.
According to Carmichael, a board of plywood will be set up facing Second Street to buffer the noise of the construction. She is unable to completely assure the commission concerning traffic control, as such responsibilities fall on Caltrans.
She is able to reveal, however, that the bike lane, sidewalk, and two car lanes would have to be closed on Mission Boulevard. If traffic control is poor or lacks proper planning, residents in the area could be very negatively impacted or even put in danger.
Further revealing the potential holes in planning, Commissioner Ignacio Romero raises a concern regarding the safety of pedestrians who regularly traverse the Mission Boulevard streets or sidewalks at night.
Photo Credit: Granicus.com / Union City
Closure of the sidewalk on Mission Boulevard is especially a point of concern for Romero.
“You can only walk on one side [of Mission] because the other side is hills,” he says, “maybe [there should be] a detour that would allow folks to not have to walk in that section. To make sure those folks are taken care of."
All comments regarding traffic control have yet to be completely addressed, as both Carmichael and City Engineer Diana Cangco explain that traffic control is under the jurisdiction of CalTrans. Both speculate that CalTrans will provide appropriate detours and signage for the safety of the citizens.
To conclude the meeting, a new Chair and Vice Chair for the planning commission are elected.
According to tradition, the Vice Chair becomes Chair and the commissioner member with the most seniority becomes Vice Chair. Regardless of who enters the position of Vice Chair or Chair for the year, those whose positions are taken become regular commissioners. Only two nominations are made.
The first is Vice Chair Ignacio Romero for Chair, nominated by former Chair Seyi McLelland. Upon his acceptance of the nomination, Romero is unanimously voted into the position of Chair.
Photo Credit: Granicus.com / Union City
McLelland then nominates Commissioner Prairna Gupta Garg, who is also unanimously voted into the position of Vice Chair.
If you have any questions, please email me at madison.v@lead4earth.org or comment below.
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