Residents Strongly Reject Gum Ranch Development

MBK Homes officials met with a crowd of more than 160 concerned Fair Oaks residents during a public meeting regarding their proposed plan to build a 282-unit townhouse development at the corner of Madison and Kenneth avenues Wednesday evening.

The meeting took place between MBK Homes representatives and the Fair Oaks Community Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC), which would eventually open up to public comment. CPAC Chair Ralph Carhart said he had never seen a more fully attended and more interesting CPAC meeting.

Before much of the crowd was asked to dispurse to meet with fire marshal requirements, CPAC members asked the crowd to take part in a hand-raising, Carhart said. The chair said CPAC asked the crowd for those who were in favor of the project to raise their hands. No one did.

When those who opposed the project were asked to raise their hands, "The whole crowd of people had their hands up," Carhart said.

"I've never seen such a strong showing or strong unanimity," he said. "People here in Fair Oaks sure feel passionately about it."

MBK Homes spokesman Brian Holloway said whatever happens next, representatives for the development team will consider crowd reactions.

"They (residents) didn't like it at all," Holloway said. "I never heard one thing that they liked."

Holloway noted opposition to population density, design, neighborhood impact, to whether there would be concern about water drainage and flooding.

"They were legitimate concerns," Holloway said. "I can understand why they would have those concerns."

Holloway said it's uncertain what the development group would do as a result of the public reaction, suffice to say officials were surprised at the number of people in attendence. 

"I don't think they've made any decision at all, but it's never bad to hear from the neighborhood even if you don't necessarily like or agree with what they have to say," Holloway said. "I think they heard the community loud and clear."

Holloway said development officials would be compiling a list of community member's comments and would be taking those comments into account with any further decisions made.

"I went to the council's meeting tonight and there were so many people there against this project," said Fair Oaks-Carmichael Patch reader Ed Miller. "I don't think the Fair Oaks Community will stand for a 282 unit townhouse project on a lot aready zoned for 89 unit [sic]."

Carhart said he took written testimony from a number of people, but due to the fully-packed room in the lower level of the Fair Oaks community Clubhouse, CPAC decided to reschedule another meeting with MBK Homes at a larger venue. That venue has yet to be determined.

Carhart also noted that a member of the audience suggested a straw poll be conducted — something the CPAC will now consider.