Concord-Navy Land Deal Moves Closer To Unlocking Massive Plan

CONCORD, CA — Concord officials have reached a potential turning point in the long-running redevelopment of the former Naval Weapons Station.

The Concord Local Reuse Authority and the U.S. Navy have reached a preliminary agreement — known as a term sheet — that establishes the price and payment structure for transferring about 2,422 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station for redevelopment.

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The term sheet serves as a blueprint for the larger deal, outlining the major financial and legal terms before final contracts are written.

The step could clear a major hurdle for the long-stalled redevelopment of the site and give planners new financial clarity for one of the largest land reuse projects in California, city officials said in an announcement.

After years of negotiations with the Navy, the agreement would allow planning work to move forward on the massive redevelopment project, including preparation of a "specific plan," environmental reviews, and future entitlement approvals. The agreement would also set project costs.

The term sheet itself is not the final binding agreement. Instead, that framework would be converted later into a formal agreement between the Navy and the city on how the deal will work. A separate agreement with Brookfield would eventually govern how the project is built.

Officials on both sides are considering a final approval. Concord City Councilmembers are scheduled to review the plans on May 26.

The Concord Naval Weapons Station was a major U.S. Navy munitions storage and shipping facility. Opened in 1942, the site played a logistical role during World War II and subsequent conflicts, including Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War, before being closed in the early 2000s.

Most of the remaining land at the former base is expected to transfer at no cost to public agencies including the East Bay Regional Park District and Contra Costa County for parks and public uses.

City officials have posted more details at www.concordreuseproject.org.

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