"ANTIOCH Two projects connected to a developer involved in an alleged corruption scheme will be back before the Antioch City Council on Tuesday following a September meeting where some councilmembers voiced frustration over state housing laws and nearly rejected the proposals. On Tuesday, the council is expected to revisit discussions on Slatten Ranch Townhomes and Wildflower Station Townhomes 2, multifamily residential projects proposed by DeNova Homes Inc."
"Councilmember Donald Freitas previously proposed it would be better to hold off on a decision on the two projects so that staff had the opportunity to review the matter further. People elect us to make decisions that benefit the community. I don't think these two projects benefit the community, as a matter of fact, said Freitas. I think it's a detriment because we are losing very valuable property for economic development, and we have to look at long-term perspectives, not short-term perspectives."
"In April, federal prosecutors charged the former owner and vice president of Contra Costa homebuilding company DeNova Homes with corruption after the father-and-son duo allegedly offered cash in a coffee thermos to an unidentified Antioch councilmember in an effort to get a vote in favor of a different housing development, known as the Aviano project. The unidentified councilmember reported the alleged request to the FBI."
Antioch City Council will revisit Slatten Ranch Townhomes and Wildflower Station Townhomes 2 after a September meeting where councilmembers expressed frustration with state housing laws they say force cities to accept projects that undermine long-term economic development goals. Some councilmembers and residents said the projects lack sufficient affordable units and raised concerns about DeNova Homes' connection to corruption charges. Federal prosecutors charged a former owner and vice president of DeNova with allegedly offering cash in a coffee thermos to an unidentified Antioch councilmember to influence a separate Aviano project vote; the councilmember reported the request to the FBI. Councilmember Donald Freitas urged delaying decisions for further staff review.
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