Hi everyone – As expected, the Planning Commission will consider the Mercedes development this Tuesday, Feb 4. It is a 58-unit development on the Southwest corner of O’Hara Ave and Laurel Rd. Matt Beinke is asking for the review. (The same Matt Beinke that brought us Quick Quack Car Wash and McDonald’s across from Laurel Elementary School). I think the project will eventually be approved based on Oakley’s history.
The history involves the relationship with Councilmember Meadows, who has supported Beinke on several projects, including the gas station and car wash under construction on East Cypress Road at Sellers Av. Meadows can always count on his fellow Rotary Club members to vote as he directs them. So, we will proceed through pro forma governmental rituals before the council approves the rezoning of the parcel and the project.
Many Oakley residents have expressed resistance to the proposal. Understandably so. First, the zoning of the parcel is commercial. Beinke wants to convert it to residential high-density (RDH). He will construct fifty-eight units, 2000 sq feet, on 2300 sq foot lots—a significant change over a commercial development. People have asked me what remedies are available. A referendum is the most feasible from my perspective.
A referendum would negate a zoning change, disallowing construction of the project. A referendum is a city-wide vote nullifying a measure passed by the City Council. Creating a referendum vote is arduous, and it takes the entire city to get the referendum approved. I think now is the time for a referendum vote organizing group.
When the item comes up for a vote by the city council, people will have only approximately five days to respond. Once the project is approved, a limited time exists for a referendum application to come forward. Trying to organize a referendum after approval of a vote is extremely difficult. So, I advise people to attend the Planning Commission meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m. at the City Hall, 3231 Main St. If unable to participate, send an email to let the commissioners know where you stand on the project. Send the email to cityclerk@ci.oakley.ca.us before 5:00 p.m. on the 4th.
Get to know the people involved. Volunteer to help with those who are stepping out against the project. This is a city-wide issue and should be resident-oriented when considering the referendum.
I will not be in attendance at the commission meeting. I believe council members should distance themselves from commission activities and not intervene with their activities during commission meetings. I will be watching it on the City website.
Below are links to copies of the pertinent documents regarding the commission meeting.
https://fullerforoakley.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-staff-report.pdf
https://fullerforoakley.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-vicinity-map.pdf
https://fullerforoakley.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-conceptual-plan.pdf
https://fullerforoakley.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-work-session.pdf
https://fullerforoakley.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mercedes-proposed-plan.pdf
George Fuller, Ed.D., City Councilmember District 5, City of Oakley
