County launches development, growth study for Castro Valley

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jan 12, 2004 | by Karen Holzmeister, STAFF WRITER

CASTRO VALLEY -- If voters had approved incorporation in 2002, Castro Valley now would be a city and its City Council would be busy developing a blueprint for future growth and development.

Voters, however, rejected incorporation.

So Alameda County is planning to prepare that blueprint, known as a general plan, over the next 18 months at a cost of $400,000 to $500,000.

Will there be much to do, given that 90 percent of the 55,000- person community is built out and voters in 2000 limited development in the hills surrounding Castro Valley?

Yes, says county Planning Director Chris Bazar.

Potentially, he explained, there could be a "significant amount" of new development along Castro Valley Boulevard's central business district.

Concurrently, a redevelopment advisory committee is likely to be recommending changes and improvements on several major thoroughfares, while infill housing could be considered on 141.5 identified acres.

Public opinion will help to shape the Castro Valley document, Bazar added.

Paying attention to community concerns is key to developing the general plan, said Alexandra Matteucci.

If Castro Valley had joined the ranks of California cities, Matteucci likely would be its mayor because she ranked first among 19 City Council candidates on the 2002 incorporation ballot.

The vote against cityhood negated the vote for council members, but not Matteucci's concerns for the types of things -- especially in downtown -- that should be considered in a general plan.

Some of her suggestions:

Develop a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, with nearby parking and additional lighting. Plant trees and arrange planters with outdoor seating and eating areas.

Create an architectural facade program that becomes a theme for all new buildings and improvements.

Consider live-work spaces near downtown, and seek out restaurants and bars that reflect an upscale image.

Add infill housing without jeopardizing rural areas, and improve school and park areas to better serve Castro Valley's youth.

For the last two years, community comments at workshops have been integrated into an "Eden area" general plan for eight of the 10 other unincorporated communities in the greater Hayward area.

That document should be ready for review and adoption later this year.

On Dec. 22, the county issued a request for proposals from consultants interested in preparing the Castro Valley General Plan and its accompanying environmental impact report. Those proposals are due on Jan. 31.

The county and consultants will work with the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) and Supervisor Nate Miley to develop a public participation process. A meeting with the MAC, could be held as soon as February, Bazar said.

Call the county planning department at (510) 670-5400 for information on the general plan process.