The Planning Commission found a number of problems with both the EIR and the project plan itself for the 900 Kiely project, or Fairfield Residential’s Gallery at Central Park.  They felt by and large that Fairfield Residential’s plan to build over 800 units at the old Kaiser hospital site was too much for the area, which residents noted was not along major arteries and comprised mostly single lane streets that lead into cul-de-sacs and residential loops.

There were three things up for approval tonight:

  1. Recommendation that the City Council certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 900 Kiely project.
    Planning Commission vote: Deny (7 to 0)
  2. Recommendation that the City Council approve Rezoning request and Development Agreement to support the project.
    Planning Commission vote: Deny (7 to 0)
  3. Recommendation that the City Council approve Master Community Plan and Development Area Plan for the 900 Kiely project.
    Planning Commission vote: Deny (7 to 0)

Congratulations, all!

We would like to thank each and every person who supported the neighborhood for your help.  Our work isn’t done yet — the project still needs to go in front of the City Council, [Edit: the City Council date has been set for 16 June 2009, 7:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers] but having the Planning Commission recommend denial by a margin of 7 to 0 for each of the project items is a big win for residents.

After the meeting concluded, we extended an offer to Fairfield Residential to discuss the project with residents — as we always have.

There will be more updates as time goes on, but we just wanted people to know what we waited over eight hours over two days to find out.