HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.1 MIRANTE, LOUIS EMAIL 022326
P. 415.946.8777 Bay Area Council Bay Area Council Bay Area Council
www.bayareacouncil.org The Historic Klamath PO Box 5135 1215 K Street, Suite 2220
Pier 9, The Embarcadero Berkeley, CA 94705 Sacramento, CA 95814
San Francisco, CA 94111
February 23, 2026
Planning Commission
Town of Danville
510 La Gonda Way
Danville, CA 94526
Support for the Danville Village Apartments
Dear Town of Danville Planning Commission,
On behalf of the Bay Area Council, representing more than 400 of the region’s largest
employers, I write to express our support for the proposed Danville Village Apartments mixed-
use development. This thoughtful infill project reflects exactly the kind of housing investment
that the state has called for and that communities such as Danville need in order to meet state -
mandated housing requirements, build more affordable communities, and reduce climate-forcing
emissions.
We appreciate the Town’s careful review of this proposal. The applicant has brought forward a
well-designed and community-conscious plan that adds more than 200 homes, with more than 10
percent designated as affordable, while retaining much of the existing retail, improving
walkability, and revitalizing an aging shopping center. The inclusion of underground parking and
a high-quality architectural program shows a genuine commitment to integrating new housing
into the existing fabric of Danville and will improve the existing streetscape. The project’s
decision to help relocate many key tenants to nearby space reflects their commitment to both
Danville and to making this project this best it can be.
The project is fully consistent with the Town’s 2023 General Plan and zoning, sits on a site
identified in the Town’s certified Housing Element, and helps Danville meet its obligation to
plan for 2,340 new homes this RHNA cycle. The modest use of the State Density Bonus Law is
appropriate and will incentivize the production of much-needed affordable homes while
maintaining compatibility with surrounding development – the project is only 8 feet taller than
the tallest structures now on the site.
It is also clear that the project is exempt from CEQA under AB 130, meaning technical studies
on CEQA elements the development does would be over and beyond what the law likely
requires. The Legislature adopted AB 130 to accelerate approval of infill housing that complies
with a jurisdiction’s certified Housing Element and zoning, which is exactly the case here.
Because the proposal is consistent with Danville’s adopted plans and meets the infill criteria of
AB 130, CEQA and its analysis requirements do not apply here. Adhering to AB 130 protects the
Town, residents, and taxpayers from unnecessary delay and litigation risk from frivolous CEQA
lawsuit.
We recognize that community questions about height, traffic, and trees are common with infill
development. Even so, these concerns should be weighed alongside the considerable benefits the
project brings: new homes for workers, seniors, and families , as well as investment in an
P. 415.946.8777 Bay Area Council Bay Area Council Bay Area Council
www.bayareacouncil.org The Historic Klamath PO Box 5135 1215 K Street, Suite 2220
Pier 9, The Embarcadero Berkeley, CA 94705 Sacramento, CA 95814
San Francisco, CA 94111
improved commercial area. The thoughtful design reflects the character and goals of Danville’s
downtown, as well as the housing needs of the region, earning it the Bay Area Council’s Project
Endorsement Committee’s unanimous support.
For all these reasons, the Bay Area Council strongly encourages the Planning Commission to
advance this compliant, high-quality project. This is an opportunity for Danville to meet its
housing commitments, support economic vitality, and offer a more inclusive future for current
and future residents.
Thank you for your service and for your consideration of our letter. We stand ready to support
the Town as this project moves forward.
Sincerely,
Louis Mirante
Senior Vice President, Public Policy
lmirante@bayareacouncil.org