Clovis Planning Commission approves infill rezoning program despite community opposition

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Clovis Planning Commission approved a resolution tied to the city's infill rezoning program Thursday night, voting 4-1 with one abstention after hearing opposition from community members.

The decision advances a rezoning effort affecting approximately 54 acres across 20 parcels throughout the city, according to officials.

"There's approximately 54 acres of land covering 20 parcels throughout the city that they will be considering for a very high and high density," said Renee Mathis, Planning and Development Services Director.

The rezoning stems from a lawsuit filed against the city in 2019 by a Central California attorney.

"We filed a lawsuit against the city of Clovis for breaking the law. They plan for housing upper-middle-class people and white people, and that's a problem," said Patience Milrod, Central California legal attorney.

The lawsuit alleged the city had discriminated against low-income residents and people of color in its housing practices, which is prohibited under state law. A court ultimately sided with the lawsuit.

"As a result of that, there was a judgment that came down that identified six programs that the city needed to implement. The infill rezone program is one of six that will accommodate additional housing units," said Mathis.

The rezoning plan would allow for additional residential development across the identified parcels. According to project details discussed at the meeting, the change could add hundreds of new housing units.

Some residents in the Diamond Crest and Harlan Ranch areas voiced concerns about the potential impacts.

"You're looking at adding anywhere from 235 to 353 new family units right within our neighborhood," said Susan Thompson, who spoke against the proposal.

"We're specifically concerned with the sites that are essentially in our backyard," said Ashley Parish, another opponent.

One speaker also raised broader community concerns, asking, "Are we thinking about our parks? Are we thinking about what's going to happen to the community as far as crime goes?"

Only one individual spoke in favor of the rezoning effort during the meeting - the city's former planning director, who now represents a property owner seeking to build a senior center at Sunnyside and Jefferson.

"We feel it would be a much-needed asset to the community," said Dwight Kroll, president of Kroll and Associates.

The planning commission is expected to hold one more informational meeting for residents living within 800 feet of a proposed site.

After that, the plan will move to the Clovis City Council for a final vote within one to two months.

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