Residents' Opposition to Proposed Housing Development Delays Vote

Traffic, overcrowding and limited parking were the concerns residents expressed Tuesday about a plan to build dozens of homes on a plot of land that was once occupied by a longtime roadside market. 

The project, known as the Fremont Gateway Planned District, calls for the construction of 63 detached residential units on a 4.6-acre parcel on the northeast corner of Beard Road and Fremont Boulevard.

 Dozens of residents spoke out against the proposed project during a public hearing held at the Fremont City Council’s Tuesday night meeting, with parking and traffic among the top of their concerns.

The planned project calls for the construction of homes in two phases:

• Construction of 45 homes on the portion of land that was once occupied by the roadside market, barn and house.
• Construction of 18 homes on 1.93 acres currently occupied by Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church

Greg Ward, who resides on Beard Road, noted the tendency of motorists to speed through Beard Road.

Beard Road is the last right turn on Fremont Boulevard before an freeway onramp and connects to Paseo Padre Parkway.

“[It’s] often known as Fremont Raceway Version No. 2,” said Ward, who added that he’s lost two cats and witnessed children nearly getting struck on the road. “This has not been well thought out.”

Ward also called for some type of environmental study on the land that was occupied the roadside market, which was created in 1955 and was recently demolished.

Former city councilman Steve Cho, who also lives near Beard Road, said he believes residents of North Fremont are not opposed to housing, but, rather, have concerns about the project as it is proposed. 

“We just have some concerns with this particular project… it’s the massing and the scale of the project,” said Cho, who added that the proposed housing units are also not a compatible fit with nearby residential units.

One resident, however, did speak in favor of the project, despite worries about parking and traffic.

“I understand a lot of the concerns people are raising, but my question is what is the alternative,” a resident who identified himself as Bobby McDonald said. He added that he would hate for the land to be designated for a gas station or apartments.  

Council did not vote on the project. Instead, council members decided to postpone the scheduled vote. 

Still, council members voiced hesitation about approving the project.

Councilwoman Suzanne Chan said the project needs modifications.

“Maybe with more work in addressing a lot of the issues that were brought up today we could, in fact, have a better product that would be more accessible to an existing neighbor and the developer,” Chan said. “There’s opportunity to make this a better project that will look and feel a little more a part of the existing community.”

What do you think about the proposed Fremont Gateway Planned District? What improvements would you like to see before the project is considered for approval?