#062: Matt Beinke of Blackhawk Nunn Talks Brentwood Measure L

On this episode, I chat with Matt Beinke of Blackhawk Nunn on their proposed development in the City of Brentwood which has become Measure L where they would build 2,400 homes (80% being 55+ active living) while preserving open space with Save Mount Diablo.

We get into what this project would accomplish, dispel some of the rumors and online rumblings in an effort to provide accurate and truthful information. Beinke also says if Brentwood says “no”, they are going to Antioch.

• Brentwood Measure L – more info
• Save Mount Diablo Website: click here. For what they say on Measure L, click here.

• iTunes Direct Link: Click here
• Google Play Direct Link: Click here
• Spotify Direct Link: Click here
• Stitcher Direct Link: Click here

Episode Overview:

• 01:50 – Beinke explains what happens next if Brentwood Measure L Fails. He then gets into what happens if Antioch says no.
• 03:47 – We chat about Measure L and what it actually does. How did Blackhwak Nunn come up with this specific project which actually began in the late 1980’s.
• 06:28 – Beinke provides and overview of what Measure L would provide for the City of
  Brentwood.
• 09:28 – We talk about how this land is currently unincorporated Contra Costa and its up to Brentwood or Antioch and who wants to control it.
• 10:20 – We get into Antioch’s urban limit line and The Ranch Project and this assumption Antioch has already said no. Roddy Ranch was approved by voters for 700-800 homes, which is now owned by East Bay Regional Park District—building permits, property tax revenue, sales tax, jobs, infrastructure is now lost.
• 12:10 – How this project will have no impact on Antioch if approved, this is basically a windfall of unexpected money at millions of dollars. Beinke highlights there is interest and cities would not pass this up due to infrastructure improvements.
• 14:02 – Beinke explains how the East Contra Costa Fire Department got involved in this project and included with funding and what they get out of project.
• 19:45 – Beinke explains the California Highway Patrol (CHP) concern and people are taking it out of context and what their letter means in the EIR. Explains it’s a comment letter, which is why the Brentwood Police Officers Association supports Measure L.
• 22:01 – Brentwood Police Officer Association endorsement, now people in the community have turned nasty towards Brentwood POA. Others are also being attacked for their position on Measure L.
• 26:20 – Are members of the community of Brentwood overlooking the needs of senior housing?
• 29:07 – We get into how this 590-home design came about and where it came from and why are people touting this? Beinke explains this property was zoned for 3-houses per acre in 2014 through General Plan Update.
• 31:20 – with Seth Adams (Save Mount Diablo) confirming this land was always in the plans to be developed for over 30-years, with the city council approving development on the land in 2014, why would Brentwood residents say “no” and basically tell Antioch to take it?
• 33:30 – Beinke explains the on-site open space on the property within Measure L and what they plan to do with it—explains how this is an open space amenity through the homeowners association.
• 35:45 – Why should Shadow Lakes residents want this project?
• 38:20 – American Avenue, what does it get built and is it the first thing to be done in this plan? Beinke says American Avenue and Balfour Road improvements are in phase 1 and will begin immediately. We get into the false bait and switch claims on social media and how a lot of the claims are false because this plan is in the measure and protections are in place. We get into how a strong city council and planning commission become the referees for the project.
• 41:30 – If Measure L does not pass, Beinke says again they are going to Antioch.
• 43:25 – I get into how I believe Blackhawk Nunn has been responsible in their developments and communities while protecting open space—Summerset and Trilogy are just two examples. Says most of the homes in Brentwood had to be annexed in like they are trying to do now.
• 45:55 – We get into the false rhetoric of how adding more housing will lower home values, Beinke breaks down how that is not true.
• 49:00 – I close by encouraging everyone to get educated on the issue and make an educated decision because its more complex than more houses or vehicles on the road. I encourage community leaders, city council members, planning commissioners and school board members to step up and let the community know where they stand.