Planning Commission backs condominium project, nixes townhomes
A proposal to build a condominium complex instead of townhomes in American Canyon has gained the approval of the city’s Planning Commission.
The Planning Commission on Nov. 20 approved a new map to build 100 three-story condominiums on about 4 acres off Crawford Way. The vote to recommend the tentative map to the City Council was 4-0.
The proposal, if approved by the City Council, would eventually allow the construction of 68 two-bedroom and 32 three-bedroom units. Eight condominiums would be “affordable.”
The developer, the Yeh Area Group LLC, also has to seek permission from the California Department of Real Estate.
The Yeh Area Group in May gained the green light to build 100 townhomes on the vacant parcel at the corner of Crawford Way and U.S. 29/Broadway before asking to build condominium units on the land. The conditions of approval approved in May remain in place.
Planning Commission members asked about the project’s affordable housing requirements at the Nov. 20 meeting.
Under state law, the city has to accommodate housing for different income levels. “This housing project is a component of an overall obligation the city has to facilitate private development of housing. This would help accomplish some of that,” American Canyon Community Development Director Brent Cooper said.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development maintains an annual “report card” posted online for each California jurisdiction. It identifies the jurisdiction’s compliance with housing obligations, Cooper said.
Planning Commissioner Eric Altman said he has been a “big advocate for the building of condos in American Canyon for a long time.”
“It is a type of ownership that we definitely need more of,” Altman said. That helps both younger families and “older folks,” like him and his wife, who want a smaller house once they become empty nesters.
Youth commissioner Abyssinia Belvin asked about traffic impacts. Youth commissioners sit on the dais but do not vote.
The developer has to pay traffic impact fees, which help pay for city projects, American Canyon Senior Planner William He answered.
Cooper said because so many people commute, providing affordable housing closer to jobs reduces traffic.
The American Canyon’s public library, the U.S. Post Office, Safeway, restaurants and churches are very close to the condominiums, Cooper said, noting the residents will not have to drive as much. A rapid bus line stop to Bart in El Cerrito is near the U.S. Post Office for those who commute to San Francisco.
Cooper said the developer has to install a raised sidewalk across Crawford Way to the shopping center across the street.
Neighbors, however, also raised traffic concerns and other issues before the Planning Commission.
Barbara Miles, who rides the bus, said she was concerned about the project’s impacts on traffic and public transportation, including during construction.
In a letter to the Planning Commission, Open Door Christian Church Pastor Alan Brazell, a longtime American Canyon resident, also raised concerns about traffic, parking and the lack of single-story homes for families. The church is south of the proposed project.
Shelly Greenwell, a neighbor, said she was concerned about increased traffic, trash, noise levels and impacts on their pets.
Altman answered he does not anticipate a trash problem from the condominium complex, saying homeowners tend to take care of their properties.
Commissioner Charles Plummer said privacy issues have been raised with the developer.
However, neighbors complained about the lack of communication with the developers. One issue was privacy.
In May, the developer was told to build a 6-foot tall privacy fence.
Altman said he was disappointed about the lack of communication, adding the commission had made it clear to the developer that he should reach out to the neighbors regarding landscaping and fencing. He asked the city to give neighbors with copies of the landscape plan and press the developer to establish mutually acceptable privacy guidelines.
Cooper noted the city makes sure the conditions are satisfied before the building permit is issued.
The tentative map still has to come before the City Council, Cooper reminded the Planning Commission. The applicant also has pledged to Mayor Pierre Washington that he would meet with the neighbors; Cooper said. “Guess who’s on the (American Canyon) Council?” Washington leads City Council meetings.
The developer did not attend the meeting and could not be reached to comment on the development.
Before the vote, Royce Hall, a youth commissioner, said the Nov. 20 resolution before the Planning Commission included a reference to the May resolution as Resolution “2025-05” instead of “2025-06.”
Cooper thanked the teen. A correction will be made before the resolution is signed, Cooper said. “I appreciate your diligence.”
