Council Rejects Residential Plan on Former Dealership Lot

A plan to convert the old Central Chevrolet site into residential properties was shot down — for now — by City Council, according to media reports.

Though a formal vote was not cast at the Feb. 5 meeting, council members agreed to uphold a previous Planning Commission vote denying a land-use change from commercial to residential use on the 9.6-acre site at 4949 Thornton Ave., the Fremont Bulletin reports.

The matter would be reviewed in the future, if necessary, according to the report.

The request was made by the landowner on behalf of Summerhill Homes, which proposed building 77 single-family homes at the former dealership property, which closed in 2008, the Bulletin reports.

According to the Bulletin, no commercial developers have shown any interest in the location.

Regardless of that fact, council members are still hoping to attract businesses to the site.

Councilman Vinnie Bacon said that the land is located in a historic Fremont neighborhood near freeways, making it a good place for businesses, the Bulletin reports.

Councilman Raj Salwan also agreed, telling the Bulletin that the area “is a gateway to Centerville and has the potential to transform Thornton Avenue and Centerville.”

City staff however, agreed to work with Summerhill Homes in developing a plan to attract businesses to the property, according to the Bulletin.

Read the full Fremont Bulletin report here.

------
Like Fremont Patch | Follow Fremont Patch | Blog on Patch | Get Free Patch Newsletters