Berrellesa Palms Senior Affordable Housing Project
Bay area affordable housing developer Resources for Community Development obtained entitlements in 2010 for a 49-unit senior affordable housing project in Martinez. The one-acre downtown infill project intended for seniors with chronic health issues and at risk for homelessness was challenged by a group of neighbors contesting the City’s use of statutory exemptions from CEQA for qualified housing projects and projects consistent with specific plans, and CEQA’s categorical exemption for infill housing. The neighbors claimed the project was not consistent with local plans and could adversely affect nearby potentially historic resources. The City developed a strong record during the administrative approval process, and Sabrina Teller was successful in defeating a petition for a writ of mandate. The project was completed in 2014.