UPDATED Oct. 27: The Walnut Creek City Council approved the North Main Apartments on Oct. 18.
UPDATED Sept. 8: Greenbelt Alliance intern Chris Ulrich testified in support of the project at a Sept. 7 hearing of the Design Review Commission. The commission then moved to approve North Main Apartments, voting unanimously in support of the final design application.
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Despite the sluggish economy, Walnut Creek is buzzing with proposed developments near downtown and close to the BART station. These new projects would add over 600 new homes within walking distance of the lively shopping district and many office buildings.
On October 18, the City Council took an important step toward this more vibrant future by approving the proposed North Main Apartments. This means an attractive building will soon be built at the corner of North Main Street and Ygnacio Valley Road, featuring 126 apartments, some of which are live-work space.
Greenbelt Alliance endorsed the project and provided supportive testimony at the public hearings, noting that the new homes would provide more “livable, compact, transit-accessible opportunities” for Contra Costa residents.
In addition to excellent proximity to BART and downtown shops, the new apartments will have secure bike parking and carshare on-site, a rooftop pool heated by solar panels, and even a special area where residents can bring their canine friends outside for a game of fetch. The developer will donate more than $200,000 toward Walnut Creek’s public parks, and $1.4 million for affordable housing.
We hope Walnut Creek continues to act on its commitment to sustainability by creating vibrant new communities for those of all income levels. If it does, the City will be well poised to access new funding opportunities for cities planning for focused growth.
