Rezoning, Development Application Denied for Rock Quarry Site Nearby Lake Chabot

The Castro Valley  rejected an application for a rezoning ammendment and proposed housing development on Lake Chabot Road on Monday.

Malcolm Carpenter, an agent for the San Leandro Rock Company, wanted permission from county officials to create 126 units of housing in the site located at 13575 Lake Chabot Rd.

However, the MAC did not feel convinced that he supplied enough information regarding changing the designation of the 58 acre area and developing it from an agriculture to residential site.

Among those who spoke out against developing the area was San Leandro Community Development Director Luke Sims. He said based on the "premature analysis" of the applicant, he felt the application should be considered "incomplete and inadequate."

Other speakers shared concern over the fact that the land lies close to the Hayward fault and said the area was not fit for buildings or development.

Despite the issues pointed out on the application, many of which were agreed upon by council member Marc Crawford, he was the only member to express some interest in the idea of transforming the site into something that could generate income for the area.

He felt the number of homes to be built on this ridge was unrealistic because it was sloped rather than flat. He also said that filtering runoff would be problematic, especially for an area that's been a rock quarry for nearly 100 years.

"Open space is not going to generate any money to fix the site," he said. 

He said he wished to see this continue if the applicant came more prepared with realistic facts and figures.

"If the applicant is not willing to try harder, I think we should just deny it and move on," Crawford said.

The MAC voted 5-1 to deny the application for a general plan ammendment and rezoning, with Crawford opposing the denial.