Diablo Valley Housing Push Gains Momentum—But Mega Project Hard To Budge

CONCORD, CA — Concord officials are weighing an expanded housing proposal on a military site as the city simultaneously moves to allow denser housing across several neighborhoods, signaling a broader push to accelerate homebuilding and a move that could transform the larger area by 2040.

The pressure comes in part from California density requirements. Others are more like vectors, but they form part of a bigger picture for Concord and the region— one that not everyone wants yet that has become a juggernaut is cities across the Golden State.

One in Concord is a revised plan from Las Vegas developers Eddie Haddad and Georges Maalouf to redevelop a 59-acre former Coast Guard site at 3295 Haleakala St.

The updated concept calls for up to 900 primary homes—up from 714 units presented last January—and about 940 total units when accessory dwelling units are included.

The site currently contains 366 vacant military housing units, including 286 apartments and 80 duplex-style homes.

Developers plan to demolish those structures and replace them with 940 homes on 59 acres.

City staff told council members they are not ready for project approval of the site on 3295 Haleakala St. For one, the site has to be rezoned to allow the project to move forward because the use is restricted to military housing, according to Concord principal planning official, Frank Abejo.

Instead, the developers were seeking direction on key issues: density, housing types and mix, affordable housing strategy, and community benefits.

The proposal consolidates Quinault Village and Victory Village. The new concept would unify the property into a single, phased neighborhood with a connected street grid, shared open space, and access from East Olivera Road and Hamilton Avenue.

The latest proposal includes 403 town homes, 409 detached homes, 56 accessory dwelling units, and 72 deed-restricted affordable multifamily units.

Staff focused the meeting on the project’s overall vision rather than final numbers or design.

Developer representative David Bowlby said the team spent the past year refining the plan, working with consultants and builders, and gathering community input.“We are not going to satisfy everyone equally, but how do we come together and compromise,” Bowlby said. “That is what this conceptual plan is—it’s a compromise on multiple levels.”

Bowlby said the project aims to serve a range of income levels. Developers will keep working on affordability requirements, starting with the city’s 15% inclusionary target. He said traffic impacts will be studied during formal review.

The proposal arrives as Concord advances a broader housing strategy.

Earlier in March, City Council approved zoning changes that allow denser residential development in select single-family neighborhoods and commercial corridors, a move designed to comply with state housing mandates and expand housing opportunities.

City officials said rezoning could permit 1,000 more homes citywide. The change applies to several sites: the former Kmart property, Clayton Faire, Palm Lakes, 5390 Myrtle Drive, and 1539 Kirker Pass Road. It raises the maximum allowable density from about 24 units per acre to 60. Existing uses may remain, and owners can choose whether or not to redevelop.

Staff said the rezoning effort stems from a 2018 California law requiring cities to reduce segregation and expand housing opportunities in higher-resource neighborhoods.

Concord began updating its land-use plans in 2021 as part of its latest housing element.

Together, the zoning overhaul and the expanded Coast Guard site proposal highlight the city’s renewed effort to turn long-discussed housing goals into tangible development — even as major projects continue to face delays.

One of the city’s largest housing goals remains stalled. Plans to build 15,000 homes with a college campus, libraries, schools, and office space on the decommissioned Concord Naval Weapons Station have yet to move forward.

Guy Bjerke, director of economic development and base reuse, said that the city is still negotiating with the developer and the U.S. Navy, which owns the 2,225-acre property, over financing, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Related: Five Parcels, 1,000 Homes: Concord Public Meeting Tomorrow To Weigh Rezoning