Parking Permit Meeting Date with Councilmembers Jeff Wan and Holly Tillman

By Clayton Watch

Councilmembers Jeff Wan and Holly Tillman,

Just checking to see if you have decided on a meeting date for the Parking Permit Program. I know you are busy, but there is some urgency now to move this along because it appears Olivia has a buyer. Mr Jordan shows Olivia as "Under Contract" on Loopnet and potential parking restrictions in surrounding neighborhoods are "Material Facts" that must be disclosed to a potential buyer under California Law. This disclosure becomes troublesome if there are no details on the program and there has been no official action by the committee or the council.

I look forward to our first meeting. Please me know the date and time of this meeting.

Thank you

Bill Walcutt

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Why Can’t I Park In Front Of My House?

By Clayton Watch

Dear Neighbor:

We just started a petition for a "Resident-Only Parking Permit Program" here in Clayton and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name. Our goal is to reach 4500 signatures. You can read more and sign the petition by clicking the following link. https://chng.it/bFF9YVxJ

This request is being made because past Clayton City Council members C.W.
Wolfe, Tuija Catalano, and Julie Pierce originally approved a three-story 81-unit apartment building in historic downtown with insufficient parking. With Peter Cloven, CW. Wolfe and Holly Tillman recently approving a one-year extension for the developer, now is the time to take action.

Their approval of the recent “The Olivia on Marsh Creek” high-density housing project in Historic Downtown is just one example of the City of Clayton failing to protect its citizens from any undue hardship due. Not requiring “The Olivia on Marsh Creek” project to provide sufficient parking for the eighty-one (81) approved apartments is deplorable.

Please sign the petition today. https://chng.it/bFF9YVxJ

Thanks,

Clayton Watch

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Look at the crazy nonsense your city council and staff have discussed.

* 81 units with only one parking stall

* Comments by city council Julie, Wolfe, Catalano, and staff.

* Maybe they can use the AT&T parking lot right next door (Julie)

* Comments by developer

* 55 and over senior project

* Bus passes for one year

* Cover parking

* Trash bins

* Parking study

* Donate for crossings and parking permits (Stranahan)

* Any spillover into surrounding neighborhoods or downtown is unacceptable and will lead to increased traffic, noise, lower property values, and parking inconveniences for family and visitors, and will negatively affect the right to “quiet enjoyment” as granted to every homeowner and tenant by law. (Staff)

* Outdated parking study

* Average car 2.3 Clayton study

Summary: Any reasonable person would conclude that The Olivia on Marsh Creek” project should have never been approved based on the facts. Number of units, and no senior restrictions, one can safely assume that over 100 cars will be looking for a permanent parking place.

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The Debate Over New Taxes in Clayton Should Begin with Facts, Not Fantasies or a Wish List

By Clayton Watch

Some Clayton residents may urge that sales or parcel taxes be placed on the ballot, but this debate should start with facts, not rumors or wishful thinking.

We need justification before asking citizens for more money, not cries that "the city is broke."

Recent history under Mayor Peter Cloven shows city finances were unbalanced for months in 2022. The checkbook hadn't been balanced in months, and he proposed a $400 annual parcel tax on every property owner in town.

First, let's closely examine reserves. Why were they so high? Did we receive the services we paid for? If not, why not? Answers are needed. (I sent a letter to the City Council on March 19th that is attached, but I am still awaiting their response.)

Second, an independent group should review all income and expenses to give us a clear financial picture. A three-member Community Financial Sustainability Subcommittee is apparently being formed, hopefully, to shed light on the truth.

As the saying goes, "If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step just gets us to the wrong place faster." That describes Clayton “to a T” in my opinion.

Before any tax increases, we need transparency, accountability, and factual justification. Wise stewardship of public funds requires careful examination, not knee-jerk reactions or unsubstantiated claims. Let us buckle up and do our homework before placing any tax increase before the voters.

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The First 300 Days of a City Manager - Shared with Our City Council

By Clayton Watch

Dear Council,
The link and article I provided regarding "The First 300 Days of a City Manager" appear unavailable at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I've attached a link to the PDF of the complete article for your reference. I hope you take the time to read it as it has invaluable insight into what we have been experiencing and discussing. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/217157591.pdf

Have a great weekend,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch

P.S. Food for thought: My college professor, Dr. Sato, once said, "Nobody is perfect except on their resume." His point was that accomplishments listed on paper don't guarantee real-world excellence. When hiring our next City Manager, I urge the council to look beyond the resume - a thorough background check is essential.

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Dear Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and Staff - Sales Tax Proposal

By Clayton Watch

Dear Mayor Diaz and City Council, (Place in Public Comment)

I appreciate Councilmember Holly Tillman bringing the sales tax proposal to our attention, but it appears she once again wants to take the least line of resistance to a real problem.

For over two years both Councilmember Tillman and Councilmember Pete Cloven have been pushing for multiple tax increases without knowing anything about our income and expenses, let alone what we have in reserve. WHY?

I do believe, if needed, the community would support a sales tax increase versus trying to sunset the existing landscape maintenance tax in 2027 and then trying to pass a new general parcel tax - but now is not the time.

However, before moving forward with any tax proposals, I think we should take a closer look at the city's finances and reserves.

For this letter, I will be focusing on the amount we have been taxed over the years without the full benefit. This is called OVERTAXATION!

The reserves appear quite high - around $8-12 million based on what I've seen. I'm curious why such a large percentage of tax revenue wasn't used for the services that were promised to citizens. Let me repeat . . . WASN'T USED!

Additionally, why does the landscape district have over $300k in reserves when the landscaping looks terrible? Remember the “Weeds Gone Wild / A Town Divided” flyer? It’s not about money, it’s about leadership and getting the job done, but that's a discussion for another day.

Some reserves are prudent, but 150% +/- seems excessive. It’s plain and simple, it appears the citizens were overtaxed to build up these reserves. What was the rationale? What purpose did the money serve? It surely didn’t serve the citizens.

I'm glad the council has agreed to move some of the reserves to the general fund, leaving about 40% of the annual budget in reserve - that seems more reasonable.

It is now time to allocate our excess tax dollars towards the improvements our city's leaders pledged to the citizens and make improvements to our city.

We need to closely examine the city budget and 5-year projection numbers over the next year, or so, while carefully spending our unspent/overtaxed dollars on things that were promised.

I encourage citizens to review the city's finances at https://cleargov.com/california/contra-costa/city/clayton/checkbook (https://cleargov.com/california/contra-costa/city/clayton/checkbook) and identify any unnecessary spending. (Who in their right mind would spend $800.00 on pictures for the city website, let alone hire consultant after consultant, and on top of that pay our city engineer over $400,000?) We need to get our house in order once and for all.

As I mentioned at the last City Council Meeting, we should focus on “needs” rather than “wants.” The city should spend taxpayer funds with the same fiscal prudence and care they would their own money, not recklessly like drunken sailors.

I'm happy to discuss this further. Please let me know your thoughts on a prudent path forward, but in my opinion, Councilperson Tillman, a sales tax at this time is not warranted or justified. Every problem can’t be solved by money.

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Parking Permit Meeting - Community Outreach

By Clayton Watch

Hi Holly and Jeff,

Thanks for your quick reply regarding meeting up with the community. Sorry for the test email. I'm not sure what caused the error.

Anyhow, moving forward, the community is very excited about moving these meetings forward.

Question? Please let us know what your plans are to reach out to the community before setting up a meeting date. Posting this information on the city website would be great along with a few social media posts.

Please advise,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch

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Did the Developer Falsify His Application? You Decide!

By Clayton Watch

It looks like William Jordan's little scheme as an owner-builder for his 81 unit apartment building project with insufficient parking has been exposed! According to some new documents filed in Contra Costa County against Mr Jordan, he is being called out for fudging, or some would say lying, on his owner-builder application for the Olivia on Marsh Creek project.

Here's the scoop: To get an owner-builder permit, you have to live at the property for at least a year prior to the application and meet other prerequisites. We all know Mr Jordan didn't live at that little historical, stucco house on Marsh Creek Road he is claiming as his primary residence because it has been a rental for years, unless he pitched a tent in the horse corral. Sure looks like Mr Jordan is trying to pull another fast one. You can get all the scoop in this hot link:

https://claytonca.gov/fc/agendas/CC%20Public%20Comment/2024/Public%20Comment%20020624.pdf.

Please be sure to read pages 2 through 4 to see for yourself all the details of the complaint.

Here is the sore point: Clayton City Staff knew about Mr Jordan's shady owner-builder application for months and didn't say squat to the County. I believe it is city staff's job to keep people like Mr Jordan in check, but unfortunately, we citizens have to play investigator, inspector, informer, and compliance manager. The residents of Clayton deserve better oversight from our City Manager Bret Prebula and City Engineer Larry Theis.

I'll keep you posted as this drama unfolds. For now, if you want to chime in, keep it respectful and to the point.

Additional Clarification: According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

1. An owner-builder is a property owner who acts as their general contractor on a construction project instead of hiring a licensed contractor to manage the work.

2. The owner-builder may perform the labor themselves 6or hire employees and subcontractors.

3. However, owner-builder projects must be on the owner's primary residence that they have lived in for at least 12 months before completing the work.

4. Furthermore, the owner cannot build and sell more than two structures in any 3-year period, which aims to prevent abuse of the owner-builder exemption.

In our opinion: 1) the property was not his primary residence, 2) he plans to build more than two structures and 3) he has been trying to sell the land with his entitlements to build this project for over a year.

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Healthy Skepticism of Government is Wise - Who is City Manager Bret Prebula?

By Clayton Watch

Healthy skepticism of government is wise, but outright mistrust is counter-productive. If Brett Prebula's projections are accurate, a sales tax or parcel tax may be necessary down the road. However, we don't think sunsetting the LMD and solely relying on an uncertain parcel tax is prudent.

After reflecting on the late-night Tuesday, March 5, 2024 session, we all felt the push to pass a rushed sales tax that night was imprudent. Also, Bret's reaction to Jeff's reasonable request for the supporting data, paired with the consultant's canned spiel, compelled us to file a public records request at City Hall. We want to understand where Bret got his figures, they seem a bit fuzzy, and he seemed uncertain.

In our view, between our reserves and surplus funds being transferred into the general account, we have some financial breathing room and don't face an imminent crisis. So why not take a second look?

Side note: Part of our hesitation with Bret from the beginning stems from his background, and the way he handled the oversight on the Olivia project.

We've attached an interesting video of him speaking to a Progressive Democratic group in Benicia that's worth watching. There are many similarities between Tuesday night's presentation and the shared video, see below. Also, Googling his name also surfaces an intriguing article in the Benicia Independent that provides insight. See the second link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us
Password: =N5u4#Rm

https://beniciaindependent.com/tags/lionel-largaespada/

Best regards,

Clayton Watch Team

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Parking Permit Ad Hoc Committee

By Clayton Watch

Councilmembers Jeff Wan and Holly Tillman,

Thank you for volunteering to serve on the Parking Permit Ad Hoc Committee and working with the community to find solutions to mitigate the impact of Olivia's lack of parking on our neighborhoods. We know you are busy, but we ask that you move this up on your priority list because there is urgency. As you know, Mr Jordan has the project listed for sale and he will be required to disclose the details of the parking permit program to a potential buyer once they are approved by the council.

Please let us know what you are proposing for potential meeting dates. We recommend a separate meeting in each of the affected neighborhoods and historic downtown. In addition, please let us know how you will inform the community of the meeting dates.

We are eagerly awaiting your response.

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch

Bill Walcutt
Clayton Watch

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Failed Oversight - Olivia on Marsh Creek

By Clayton Watch

Once again, city staff has failed to provide oversight of the Olivia on Marsh Creek 81-unit apartment project. Specifically, William Jordan claimed "owner-builder" status on his application to Contra Costa County and it appears he provided false information on this application. See the attached complaint filed with Contra Costa County on 01/25/2024 by a member of Clayton Watch.

As you know, Contra Costa County requires an owner-builder to have resided at the property for 12 months beforehand, along with meeting other prerequisites. Let's cut to the chase - we all know William Jordan falsely claimed to be an "owner-builder" on his application to the county. The lot at 6170 High Street is an empty dirt lot. Unless Mr. Jordan was living in a tent amongst the tumbleweeds, it's impossible he met the residency requirements. Lot 6450 Marsh Creek Road, as listed on his owner-builder application, has been a rental unit for many years. The adjacent lots don't pass the smell test either.

In our opinion, this sleight of hand was done purposely because he doesn't have a licensed and bonded contractor to complete the required work as of today's date.

We raised this issue with written communication to the City Manager, Bret Prebula, along with the City Council on 10/18/23, 10/23/23, and 12/18/23. We also raised the issue at a meeting on 10/18/23 with the City Manager, Bret Prebula, and the City Engineer, Larry Theis and both said they weren’t concerned with how the permits were obtained and therefore took no action to investigate this or notify Contra Costa County of this serious irregularity.

It is unfortunate, that City Staff continues to abrogate their responsibilities to provide oversight of Olivia to the citizens of Clayton.

Please contact us if you have any questions or updates on rectifying this situation. The community demands and deserves better.

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Olivia Complaint Filed with Contra Costa County

By Clayton Watch

Dear Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Staff,

Once again, city staff has failed to provide oversight of the Olivia on Marsh Creek 81-unit apartment project. Specifically, William Jordan claimed "owner-builder" status on his application to Contra Costa County and it appears he provided false information on this application. See the attached complaint filed with Contra Costa County on 01/25/2024 by a member of Clayton Watch.

As you know, Contra Costa County requires an owner-builder to have resided at the property for 12 months beforehand, along with meeting other prerequisites. Let's cut to the chase - we all know William Jordan falsely claimed to be an "owner-builder" on his application to the county. The lot at 6170 High Street is an empty dirt lot. Unless Mr. Jordan was living in a tent amongst the tumbleweeds, it's impossible he met the residency requirements. Lot 6450 Marsh Creek Road, as listed on his owner-builder application, has been a rental unit for many years. The adjacent lots don't pass the smell test either.

In our opinion, this sleight of hand was done purposely because he doesn't have a licensed and bonded contractor to complete the required work as of today's date.

We raised this issue with written communication to the City Manager, Bret Prebula, along with the City Council on 10/18/23, 10/23/23, and 12/18/23. We also raised the issue at a meeting on 10/18/23 with the City Manager, Bret Prebula, and the City Engineer, Larry Theis and both said they weren’t concerned with how the permits were obtained and therefore took no action to investigate this or notify Contra Costa County of this serious irregularity.

It is unfortunate, that City Staff continues to abrogate their responsibilities to provide oversight of Olivia to the citizens of Clayton.

Please contact us if you have any questions or updates on rectifying this situation. The community demands and deserves better.

Sincerely,

Gary Hood
Clayton Watch

Bill Walcutt
Clayton Watch

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Code Enforcement Online Complaint Form 01-25-2024

Contra Costa County Dept. of Conservation & Development
Code Enforcement Division
Phone: (925) 655-2710
Toll Free Phone: (877) 646-8314

Below is the form used to file code enforcement complaints within the County's jurisdiction. Complete the appropriate information and click the SUBMIT button on the bottom of the form.

COMPLAINANT INFORMATION
Fill in all fields with an asterisk. Anonymous complaints cannot be processed. Your contact information will be kept confidential.

Your contact information is required so the code enforcement officer (inspector) may contact you if more information is needed or to let you know if the reported property violation is not within the County's jurisdiction.

Complainant First Name:

REDACTED

Complainant Last Name:

REDACTED

Phone Number with area code:

REDACTED

E-Mail:

REDACTED

ALLEGED VIOLATION / NATURE OF COMPLAINT INFORMATION

Type of Violation (Check one or more boxes)

Building, Grading, Other

Address of Violation

6450 Marsh Creek Road

City

CLAYTON

DESCRIBE IN DETAIL THE NATURE OF VIOLATION/COMPLAINT

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January 25, 2024

Dear Contra Costa County Officials:

We write to you today regarding an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention and action.

At issue, is a residential development project named "Olivia on Marsh Creek" in Clayton, CA. This project has sparked considerable controversy and complaints from residents during the initial grading phase because of unprofessional construction standards and practices.

We implore you to review the permits granted to the developer, William Jordan, especially his claimed status as an owner-builder.

After a careful review of the facts, it appears Mr. Jordan does not qualify for an owner-builder exemption and has misrepresented information on his application. We urge you to revoke his permits, issue a stop work order on the project, and impose fines on Mr. Jordan for these infractions.

According to the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), these agencies clearly define owner-builder requirements, which Mr. Jordan does not meet.

• The property is not his primary residence, nor has he lived there for 12 months prior, which are prerequisites to filing as an owner-builder.
• Additionally, he plans to construct more than two buildings, exceeding the legal limit for owner-builders.

According to the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), anyone who violates the law is subject to disciplinary action by CSLB, including civil penalty assessments of up to $5,000 per violation, an order of correction that requires payment of permit fees, and any assessed penalties imposed by the local building department, and suspension or revocation of the license.

Mr. Jordan seems to have misrepresented his qualifications on the application, which constitutes a serious violation. Your oversight on this matter is greatly needed and appreciated. Please take corrective action immediately and hold Mr. Jordan accountable.

We kindly request you send us, along with the City of Clayton, written verification once you have addressed this disturbing situation. The citizens of Clayton urge you to uphold the law.

The health and well-being of our community are at stake, so we await your swift intervention on this urgent issue.

Sincerely,

REDACTED
(Plus many other concerned residents.)

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Dear Mayor, City Council, City Manager and Staff - Owner Builder Complaint CC County

By Clayton Watch

Dear Mayor and City Council,

Once again, city staff has failed to provide oversight of the Olivia on Marsh Creek 81-unit apartment project. Specifically, William Jordan claimed "owner-builder" status on his application to Contra Costa County and it appears he provided false information on this application.

As you know, Contra Costa County requires an owner-builder to have resided at the property for 12 months beforehand, along with meeting other prerequisites. Let's cut to the chase - we all know William Jordan falsely claimed to be an "owner-builder" on his application to the county. The lot at 6170 High Street is an empty dirt lot. Unless Mr. Jordan was living in a tent amongst the tumbleweeds, it's impossible he met the residency requirements. Lot 6450 Marsh Creek Road, as listed on his owner-builder application, has been a rental unit for many years. The adjacent lots don't pass the smell test either.

In our opinion, this sleight of hand was done purposely because he doesn't have a licensed and bonded contractor to complete the required work as of today's date.

We raised this issue with written communication to the City Manager, Bret Prebula, along with the City Council on 10/18/23, 10/23/23, and 12/18/23. We also raised the issue at a meeting on 10/18/23 with the City Manager, Bret Prebula, and the City Engineer, Larry Theis and both said they weren’t concerned with how the permits were obtained and therefore took no action to investigate this or notify Contra Costa County of this serious irregularity.

It is unfortunate, that City Staff continues to abrogate their responsibilities to provide oversight of Olivia to the citizens of Clayton.

Please contact us if you have any questions or updates on rectifying this situation. The community demands and deserves better.

Sincerely,

Gary Hood

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The Clayton Community is Counting on Leadership! - Downtown Parking Permit Program

By Clayton Watch

Dear Mayor, Council, Staff, and Community Members,

During Tuesday's City Council Meeting, City Manager Bret Prebula’s justification for postponing action on a downtown parking permit program was disappointing if not downright embarrassing to the people in attendance. While a comprehensive parking study could provide useful data, implementing basic parking restrictions does not require significant resources or outside consultants. It was quite obvious that Bret has a different agenda for Clayton and all of us (including the City Council) need to wake up before it's too late. It was very apparent by Bret’s word salad and his long-winded excuse on the cost to implement a full-blown parking permit program, that his vision for Clayton is not aligned with 95% of the residents.

If you watch his video about Olivia on the city website, the last 15 seconds of it will tell you all you need to know about his vision.
https://share.repd.us/og/clayton/en/4631. He wants more of the Olivia-type projects to come to Clayton. Whoever hired this guy needs to take action now.

Rather than delay, we need to take simple, common-sense steps now. For instance, a simple signage program with some teeth might be the answer. Additionally, increasing parking citation fees would discourage illegal parking without requiring new staff or processes. Our $20 fee is not enough of a deterrent. A modest increase could reduce repeat violations, freeing police resources for other priorities such as patrolling downtown and other areas such as Stranahan and surrounding neighborhoods.

We cannot accept continuing to ignore an issue that will affect so many. I hope we can work together to take decisive action. The community is counting on leadership to address challenging issues, rather than evade them. Bret, I would have assumed you had learned from your lack of action on the Olivia oversight problems, but it seems you did not.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Gary Hood

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Parking Permit Program – Talking Points

By Clayton Watch

• A high-density housing project “The Olivia on Marsh Creek” has been approved across the street from Stranahan with insufficient onsite parking.

• 81 units will be built with less than 100 parking spaces for the whole complex.

• Only 5 guest parking spaces with limited handicapped parking.

• Census data shows approximately 37% of Clayton residents have 2 cars, and about 58% have three cars or more. There is no reason this project will be any different.

• Clayton's parking standard is 2.23 parking spaces per unit, consistent with current census data. This would mean 180 to 250 cars for the Olivia project.

• The parking study presented by the developer, and accepted by the city, of 1.1 parking spaces per unit was based on a 2008 parking study of a 55+ age-restricted community in Pennsylvania.

• This project has no age restriction and is not a 55+ senior housing project.

• 100+ additional cars without on-site parking spaces will come to your neighborhood.

• 36 two-bedroom units and 45 one-bedroom units have been approved. With the possibility of 45 more high-density housing units being placed on the Hoyer property.

• Only 7 units will be restricted as low-income; the rest will be leased at market rates, which means a two-income family and at least two cars, not one.

• Spillover into the neighborhoods and downtown is guaranteed.

• Clayton has limited bus service, so taking the bus to work is not viable.

• We must place the burden on the developer and the city, not the citizens.

• If a Parking permit sticker is required – A no-fee program will be requested for the residences due to the city approving this project. In addition, the developer supposedly committed $2,500 to institute a parking permit program.

• The parking permit program will only commence when the developer starts construction. (Once he starts, the program is activated.)

• Once the project is built, it will be too late to try to place restrictions on parking.

• A citywide parking permit program would ensure that spillover from the

proposed high-density projects would place the burden on the developers.

• Developers need to provide adequate onsite parking.

• Parking should be the developer’s responsibility.

• Developers should not affect neighborhoods.

• Spillover parking should not be allowed in neighborhoods.

• The city council needs to take immediate action.

• The council did not listen to the residents.

• The parking study was a joke.

• Downtown business will be affected.

• The post office and city park will have limited parking if renters are allowed to park overnight.

• Neighborhoods will be littered with unwanted cars in front of their homes.

• Why wasn’t a parking study done in California?

• The project is not senior housing, why is it referred to as one?

• Three stories are unacceptable at its current location.

• The project will harm Clayton.

• There will be 100 to 250 new cars looking for a place to park.

• We must place the burden on the developers and the city, not neighborhoods.

• Most people and families have at least two cars.

What was the council thinking?

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Petition for a "Resident-Only Parking Permit Program - Sign Today!

By Clayton Watch

Dear Neighbor:

We just started a petition for a "Resident-Only Parking Permit Program" here in Clayton and wanted to see if you could help by adding your name.

This request is being made because past Clayton City Council members C.W. Wolfe, Tuija Catalano, and Julie Pierce originally approved a three-story 81-unit apartment building in historic downtown with insufficient parking. With Peter Cloven, CW. Wolfe and Holly Tillman recently voting to approve a one-year extension for the developer, now is the time for the citizens of Clayton to make their voices heard.

Our goal is to reach 4500 signatures. You can read more and sign the petition by clicking the following link. https://chng.it/bFF9YVxJ

The Olivia on Marsh Creek” high-density housing project in Historic Downtown is just one example of the City of Clayton failing to protect its citizens from undue hardship. Not requiring “The Olivia on Marsh Creek” project to provide sufficient parking for the eighty-one (81) approved apartments is deplorable and unacceptable. Maybe it’s time for the developer to consider downsizing the project to a size that can accommodate on-site parking.

Please sign the petition today. https://chng.it/bFF9YVxJ

Thanks,

Clayton Watch

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Public Notice - It’s Official – Mark Your Calendar!

By Clayton Watch

We have been notified that our proposed Parking Permit Program will be heard at the next Clayton City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 16 at 7 PM.

We need to get the word out and pack the place, so please plan on attending and tell your family and friends to attend.

The approval of "The Olivia on Marsh Creek," an 81-unit high-density housing project downtown, failed to mandate adequate parking for residents. The city allowed the developer of the Olivia project to provide less than 100 onsite parking spaces for the 81 units with no offsite parking spaces identified.

This oversight enables parking to spill over into surrounding neighborhoods and downtown areas, which increases traffic, noise, and inconvenience while infringing on homeowners' and renters' rights to peacefully enjoy their properties.

The Clayton City Council must act now to implement a residential permit parking program with downtown restrictions. Additionally, all future housing projects should provide ample on-site parking to prevent community impacts.

It's time for the City Council to Just Say "No" to developers and listen to their constituents.

Let us work together to preserve the character of our downtown and our neighborhoods while allowing for managed and controlled growth in the right locations.

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Parking Permit Program - Mission One Complete

By Clayton Watch

Mission One Complete! As of last night, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, we are now officially on the next City Council agenda for action to be taken. We will notify everyone of the date and time once we receive the information from our City Clerk. Your support and participation will be needed at the next meeting in order to make the Parking Permit Program a reality. So stay tuned.

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⁃ ALERTING ALL RESIDENTS ⁃

By Clayton Watch

DO YOU SUDDENLY HAVE RATS, MICE, and DUST EVERYWHERE?
You can thank Bill Jordan. He didn’t follow the Conditions of Approval as outlined for the Olivia on Marsh Creek project and now we have serious problems with rats, mice, and harmful dust throughout the community.

- Rats and mice are known to carry many diseases. These diseases can spread to people directly, through the handling of rodents; contact with rodent feces (poop), urine, or saliva (such as through breathing in air or eating food that is contaminated with rodent waste); or rodent bites.

- Dust and Unhealthy Air can be detrimental to your health. So please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself.

Contact Bret Prebula our City Manager at 925-673-7313 and let him know enough is enough. And tell him to start enforcing the Conditions of Approval Now!
__________________________________________________

There are over 119 Conditions of Approval that Mr. Jordan must follow to keep our community safe and clean, and the City Staff must start enforcing these conditions. If you see where Mr. Jordan may be out of compliance and want to file a complaint or have any questions or concerns, contact Clayton City Staff immediately.

Condition 11. Reads as follows: At least thirty (30) days prior to any demolition or groundbreaking activities, the applicant shall retain an exterminator who shall evaluate the site and make recommendations for the control and/or eradication of any on-site rodents. The exterminator’s recommendations shall be subject to the review and approval of the Community Development Director. The applicant shall comply with the approved exterminator’s recommendations prior to initiation of any demolition or groundbreaking activities.

Condition 29. Reads as follows: Standard dust control methods shall be used to stabilize the dust generated by construction activities in accordance with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District standards.

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Parking Permit Program Advances - To Be Heard By City Council

By Clayton Watch

Hello Clayton Community:

We have been notified that our proposed Parking Permit Program will be heard at the next Clayton City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 16th at 7 PM. We need to get the word out and pack the place, so please plan on attending and tell your family and friends to attend.

Petition summary and background:

We the residents of Clayton, California, petition the Clayton City Council to take action. Specifically, we request the establishment of a resident-only parking permit program for select neighborhoods, including restrictions on downtown on-street parking.

Past council members approved a development project that will negatively impact parking and quality of life without requiring sufficient provisions to mitigate these effects.

The approval of "The Olivia on Marsh Creek," an 81-unit high-density housing project downtown, failed to mandate adequate parking for residents. The city allowed the developer of the Olivia project to provide less than 100 onsite parking spaces for the 81 units with no offsite parking spaces identified.

This oversight enables parking to spill over into surrounding neighborhoods and downtown areas, which increases traffic, noise, and inconvenience while infringing on homeowners' and renters' rights to peacefully enjoy their properties.

The Clayton City Council must act now to implement a residential permit parking program with downtown restrictions. Additionally, all future housing projects should provide ample on-site parking to prevent community impacts.

As representatives of Clayton citizens, we urge you to take steps to remedy the parking and quality of life issues caused by insufficient planning requirements for new developments. It's time for the City Council to Just Say "No" to developers and listen to their constituents.

Let us work together to preserve the character of our downtown and our neighborhoods while allowing for managed and controlled growth in the right locations.

Don’t Forget Tuesday, January 16th at 7 PM - See You There!

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Parking Permit Program - Facts

By Clayton Watch

1. A high-density residential development known as "The Olivia on Marsh Creek" has received approval directly across from Stranahan, despite inadequate onsite parking provisions.

2. The project will consist of 81 units, yet it will provide fewer than 90 parking spaces for the entire complex.

3. There will be merely 5 guest parking spaces available, along with limited accommodations for handicapped parking.

4. According to census data, approximately 37% of residents in Clayton own two vehicles, while around 58% possess three or more. It is reasonable to expect that this development will reflect similar trends.

5. Clayton's parking regulations stipulate a requirement of 2.23 parking spaces per unit, which aligns with the current census data. This would imply a need for over 180 parking spaces for the Olivia project.

6. The parking analysis submitted by the developer, which was approved by the city, suggested a provision of 1.1 parking spaces per unit. This figure was derived from a 2008 study of a 55+ age-restricted community in Pennsylvania.

7. It is important to note that this development does not impose any age restrictions and is not designated as a senior housing project for individuals aged 55 and older.

8. The neighborhood can expect an influx of over 100 additional vehicles without corresponding onsite parking facilities.

9. The approved plan includes 36 two-bedroom units and 45 one-bedroom units.

10. Only 7 of these units will be designated as low-income; the remainder will be rented at market rates, which typically involves a two-income household and at least two vehicles.

11. The likelihood of parking overflow into surrounding neighborhoods and downtown areas is assured.

12. Given that Clayton has limited public transportation options, commuting by bus is not a feasible alternative.

13. The responsibility for addressing these issues must rest with the developer and the city, rather than the residents.

14. In light of the city’s approval of this project, a request will be made for a no-fee parking permit program for residents. Additionally, the developer had initially pledged $2,500 to establish a parking permit program, although this commitment was altered in the final resolution.

15. The implementation of the parking permit program will only take effect once the developer commences construction. (The program will be activated upon the start of construction.)

Once the development is completed, it will be too late to impose any parking restrictions.

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