ESCALON MIINUTES o CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING APRIL 7, 2025 = 6:00 PM Escalon City Hall, Council Chambers, 2060 McHenry S CPPETO MARCN a A. CALLTO ORDER - Mayor Andrew Hagan Mayor Hagan called the meeting to order and explained that comments should be provided on the agenda item only. He emphasized that any questions raised would be addressed prior to or at Council's consideration of the project. CM French addressed the audience and Council, explaining that the purpose ofthe meeting is to provide residents with an opportunity to provide their input prior to the item being placed on an agenda for action. B. PUBLIC COMMENT - Jackson Avenue Apartment Project Resident Dixie Woodward expressed concerns about the potential increase in traffic due to the project being on Elizabeth and Highway 120. She asked if a stoplight has been considered for the intersection.CM French clarified that a stoplight was not proposed or warranted based on this project. Ms. Woodward emphasized that safety should be prioritized, especially with families moving in, and the increased traffic to and from local schools. While she is not opposed to the project itself, she believes it should be located in a different area of Escalon to ensure better traffic control. Resident Sherry Hill sees the project as a positive step for the City, emphasizing the need for affordable housing. She noted that with the State overseeing the City's development, it is important to move forward with the project to avoid state intervention in local housing issues. Ms. Hill believes that the absence of a stoplight should not be a deal breaker. She also inquired about the potential for businesses below the apartments, to which CM French confirmed that there are two designated areas for businesses. Resident Gabriella Vargas expressed concern about the traffic at Elizabeth and Highway 120, agreeing a stoplight should be considered. She also raised questions about parking availability for renters, whether Escalon residents would have priority for rental units, and if the housing would be for seniors or low-income individuals. Ms. Vargas inquired about the specific businesses planned for the apartment complex.CM French responded that the proposed businesses had not been identified yet. Additionally, she asked if a playground would be provided for children living in the units, and ifit would be accessible only to residents in the apartments or open to all Escalon residents. CM French confirmed that an outdoor playground is proposed in the project and by nature is open to everyone. CM French clarified that the proposed project includes 15 market-rate units and two affordable units consistent with the City's Inclusionary Housing Ordinance - City Attorney Splendorio further explained that enforcing priority for Escalon residents would be challenging due to Fair Housing Laws, which mandate fair and equitable housing for all. Both the developer and state law will ultimately determine how this aspect of the project unfolds. Developer PJ Khinda addressed the resident's concerns. He shared that a gas station or car wash would create more traffic than the proposed apartments, with people coming and going throughout the day. He suggested that there were multiple other gas stations and other such commercial uses nearby. Mr. Khinda then highlighted the lack of available rental properties in Escalon, emphasizing that the goal is to provide affordable rental units. He reassured residents that adequate parking has been planned for renters, and a play area for children will be included. Oft the 17 units, only two are designated affordable. All units will be one or two bedrooms, with one three-bedroom unit. Additionally, there is a possibility of offering pre-leasing opportunities to Escalon residents before opening up leasing to others. Resident Renee Snow shared that after attending the first meeting, she had a better understanding of the project but still had concerns. First, she raised the change in plans from a car wash to apartments. Ms. Snow also expressed concerns about the amount of parking available per unit, and worried that cars mightpark on the street or in Orlando's parking lot. She shared further concern about school availability. Ms. Snow mentioned she had started a petition against the project and was curious if the Council would consider. She also raised that removing the C2 zoning could leave the area open to other different developments, and could limit the Council's control over future projects. She compared this situation to a similar issue that occurred in Riverbank. Resident Linda Gentry expressed that she is not in favor of the apartment development in that particular location. She believes the project might be better suited for a different area of] Escalon. She supports the idea of commercial development, and does not agree with the apartments being proposed for this space. Developer PJ Khinda responded that he had considered a car wash but ultimately felt that the housing project was a better fit for the location. He mentioned that he is working with the landscaping engineer to ensure privacy and improve the aesthetics ofthe development. Regarding the two commercial pads, Khinda expressed his desire to get input from residents on what types of businesses would be most suitable for those spaçes. He noted that he held a meeting last summer to gather feedback, but the turnout was lower than he had hoped. Councilmember Kay asked the developer whether he planned to use the two commercial pads himself or rent them out. PJ Khinda responded that the intention is to rent out the commercial pads. Resident Cheryl Shultz asked if the petition would have any impact on the Council's decision. Mayor Hagan responded that all comments and concerns would be taken into consideration during the decision-making process. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hagan thanked everyone for attending and sharing their input. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Dichlbkes Michele Bates, Deputy City Clerk