City Council to decide fate of major housing development

In a recent public hearing, the Bakersfield City Council discussed the vesting tentative tract map 7356, which proposes the subdivision of 63.5 acres in Southwest Bakersfield into 218 single-family lots, four public park lots, one drill site, and one drainage basin. The project, located in the West Meng specific plan, village A, also known as Highgate at 7 Oaks, was initially approved by the planning commission on May 2, 2024.

During the meeting, Planning Director Paul Johnson presented the details of the project, noting that the planning commission had received an appeal from the Friends of the Bakersfield Kit Fox and Environment shortly after their approval. This appeal, submitted on May 10, referenced concerns outlined in a letter sent to the commission prior to their decision.

Despite the appeal, Johnson indicated that the property owner had adequately addressed the concerns raised, and city staff recommended that the council deny the appeal and uphold the planning commission's approval of the tract map. The council now faces a decision between two options: to deny the appeal and approve the map, or to approve the appeal, which would overturn the planning commission's decision.

The council's decision on this matter will have significant implications for the development of the area and the management of local environmental concerns.