After countless meetings, public comments and over 2,700 petition signatures, Newark City Council approved the Mowry Village Housing Project on Dec. 11 with a 3-1 vote and one abstention. The opposed and abstained vote came from Councilmembers Marie Little and Matthew Jorgens, respectively.
Evan Knapp of Integral Communities, the developer, said they have been working on the housing project since 2018. It will be located at the current Pick N’ Pull auto junk yard on 7400 and 7550 Mowry Avenue.
There would be 196 single family homes and a 31-unit affordable housing building. Knapp said they want housing at this site because it’s currently a blight to the community. The area is poorly lit, has no drainage and is used for illegal dumping.
Those who are against the project say they want to preserve wetlands, protect people against sea level rise and prevent flooding. About 26 people spoke during the meeting either opposing or supporting the housing project.
A representative of Eden Housing said, “We’ve also reviewed the environmental studies thoroughly and believe that the mitigation measures included in the plans contribute to the livability and reflect what industry leaders and investors will accept in affordable housing. They give us confidence that this is a safe, healthy and livable site.”
Eden Housing also bought Ruby Meadow, a much-contested land parcel in Castro Valley, in 2023.
BART director Liz Ames, who represents Newark, Fremont, Union City and parts of Hayward, also attended the city council meeting. “I think Newark can be a leader in this effort,” she said prior to the vote. “We could build housing in other areas, we can build fair housing for the missing middle that’s workforce housing, not for the elite. And I hope that this council votes no on this project.”
BART officials are also working on an affordable housing project next to the Fremont station.
I suspect that when the Buyers try to find Insurance that they will find either the expense is crushing or that the companies have zero interest. When the city was given (for free) the land initially… is that a sign that something is not right?
Just what we need, more people and cars.