Antioch Council to Revisit Housing Projects Amid Corruption Claims

UPDATE: The Antioch City Council is set to revisit two controversial housing projects on September 26, 2023, linked to a developer embroiled in an alleged corruption scandal. This urgent discussion follows a heated meeting last month where frustration over state housing laws almost led to the rejection of the proposals.

The proposals in question are the Slatten Ranch Townhomes and Wildflower Station Townhomes 2, both projects submitted by DeNova Homes Inc.. Councilmembers previously expressed concerns that state mandates are forcing cities like Antioch to prioritize housing developments that could jeopardize long-term economic growth.

Councilmember Donald Freitas emphasized the need for a thorough review, stating, “People elect us to make decisions that benefit the community. I don’t think these two projects benefit the community.” His remarks underscore the tension surrounding the council’s decisions amid potential legal ramifications.

In April, the former owner and vice president of DeNova Homes faced federal charges for allegedly attempting to bribe an Antioch councilmember with cash hidden in a coffee thermos. This shocking allegation has cast a long shadow over the company and its current proposals.

“I think this is our first opportunity to actually see the effects of SB 330,” said Mayor Ron Bernal, referencing legislation that limits local governments’ ability to delay housing projects.

DeNova Homes is pushing for approval under Senate Bill 330, which mandates that local jurisdictions can only reject housing projects based on very narrow criteria. Attorney Dan Golub, representing the developer, argues that the city lacks legal grounds to deny the projects, indicating that they conform to Antioch’s General Plan and zoning laws.

The Slatten Ranch project is planned for a site covering 6.41 acres and will provide 129 townhome units. Meanwhile, the Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 is part of a larger development that includes single-family homes and commercial space, which has remained undeveloped since it was entitled in 2018.

According to a staff report, the planning commission recommends approval of the projects, highlighting severe consequences for local governments that violate the Housing Accountability Act. The Act stipulates that housing projects meeting all objective standards can only be denied if local authorities provide written evidence of specific public health or safety risks, which must be unresolvable through feasible mitigation.

As the council prepares for this critical meeting, many residents are anxious about the implications for Antioch’s future. The discussion around these projects is more than just about housing; it reflects broader concerns about transparency, accountability, and the potential impact on the community’s economic viability.

The council’s decision today could set a precedent for how Antioch navigates state housing laws and holds developers accountable in the wake of corruption allegations. Stay tuned for updates as this important story develops.