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Following the rejection of a proposed 82-unit apartment complex in North Fresno by the City Planning Commission, both Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and City Council Vice President and District 2 Representative Mike Karbassi have opted to appeal the decision and reopen discussions on the proposed project.

During their May 15 meeting, the Planning Commission sided with many nearby residents, choosing to reject the project.

A letter addressed to the county’s Planning and Development Department from Dyer and Karbassi states that the City has received numerous phone calls, emails and letters from residents near the area expressing concern that the city did not oppose the project.

Nearby residents also voiced their concerns about several issues regarding the project including the additional traffic that would be seen in the area should the project proceed as planned.

They also expressed concerns regarding the height of the buildings and windows potentially facing nearby pre-existing residences. The developer has since agreed to remove the plans to include any windows facing those houses.

In the letter, however, Dyer and Karbassi outlined several additional items considered following the commission’s “no” decision on the project, including concerns that by rejecting the proposal, the city could end up being forced to pay fines ranging from $10,000 per unit to $50,000 per unit – potentially more than $4.1 million in total.

The letter also outlined other concerns including the risk of lengthy court appearances, parking and elevated traffic concerns brought forth by local residents, and the potential for the proposed project to expand to up to 151 units should the proposal be resubmitted and the developer include a percentage of units to be reserved for affordable housing.

“It is with considerable thought and deliberation that we have come to a decision we hope

will honor the concerns raised by residents, that will provide quality housing for Fresno residents, and that will not put the City at unnecessary financial risk,” the letter reads.

The letter goes on to express sympathy to local residents but expresses concerns that, by doing nothing, local residents may be further displeased with future outcomes.

The letter urges the applicant to re enter negotiations with the City Council to review options and also encourages the applicant and residents to engage in productive discussions about the concerns raised.