Community engagement sparks excitement for Concord development project

In a recent government meeting, key members of the Brookfield Properties team provided updates on their ongoing community engagement and project planning efforts in Concord. Josh, a representative from Brookfield, introduced team members including Therese Herter, VP of Acquisitions and Strategies; Emily, Director of Business Strategies; and Gonzalo Rodriguez, VP of Land and Planning, highlighting their roles in the project’s development.

The team is currently reengaging with permitting agencies and consultants to restart the permitting process, which involves critical infrastructure planning, including sizing sanitary sewer and water pipes. They are collaborating with local agencies such as the Contra Costa Water District and Central San to ensure the project meets community needs.

Emily emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that the team has been actively meeting with various stakeholders, including veterans and local business organizations. A recent community open house on June 15 attracted over 120 residents, providing a platform for feedback on the project. Attendees participated in interactive stations to express their priorities, with a notable interest in parks, open space, and traffic concerns.

The Brookfield team has also launched an informational website to keep the community updated on project developments and upcoming events. They plan to hold focused workshops to delve deeper into specific topics based on community feedback, ensuring that residents have a voice in the planning process.

Looking ahead, the team anticipates a timeline of approximately five years for project completion, contingent on the successful navigation of the development agreement and environmental review processes. The next steps include continuing discussions with the Navy regarding the Economic Development Conveyance application and initiating a traffic study.

Overall, the meeting underscored Brookfield's commitment to transparency and collaboration with the Concord community as they work towards a comprehensive development plan.