Commission approves modification to 300-unit Union Crossing apartments; staff addresses lighting, wall and CEQA questions

The Manteca Planning Commission on Sept. 3 approved a modification to the previously authorized Union Crossing Apartments project at 1308 West Atherton Drive, which the staff said maintains the previously approved 300 units while altering clubhouse and fitness-center exteriors and relocating a maintenance building and a dog-wash station.

Associate Planner Tobin Barnum said the site is 12.78 acres and the application proposes 15 multifamily buildings totaling 300 units along with a clubhouse and fitness center. Staff recommended approval, saying the requested changes are cosmetic and consistent with the general plan, zoning (HDR/R-3) and existing CEQA documentation with an addendum to account for the unit increase from 281 to 300.

Architect Bruce Kelly of LPS Architects, representing Legacy Homes, described exterior updates intended to freshen the project’s aesthetic while keeping the same unit count and overall layout. Developers said the maintenance building would move away from the front entry into a back-of-house location and the pet-wash station would be adjacent to the dog park; Garrett with GHPR said construction drawings must be updated to the 2022 code and estimated site work could start late 2027 with building permits targeted late 2027–early 2028.

The commission discussed and corrected a typographical error in the conditions of approval that listed an incorrect expiration date; staff confirmed the corrected project expiration will be Sept. 14, 2028. After deliberation, Vice Chair Jimenez moved to approve the amended resolution (supplemental item 5); Commissioner Fiore seconded and the motion carried 5-0.