Redlands Planning Commission recommends approval for Tennessee Village Project

REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Tennessee Village Project, a 460-unit mixed-use development, during their Tuesday night meeting on Sept. 24, 2024. 

Why it matters: The development aims to provide much-needed housing options in Redlands while incorporating commercial space and amenities.

Details: The project, proposed by Diversified Pacific, includes approximately 18,000 square feet of commercial space and will be located on a 13.4-acre site on the east side of Tennessee Street.

The development will also feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with 20 units designated as affordable housing for very low-income residents. The project will be built in two phases, with the first phase including all commercial buildings, live-work units, and 225 apartments.

Matt Jordan, one of the founders of Diversified Pacific, emphasized the company's commitment to providing housing and incorporating affordable units. "We embraced it. We weren't forced into it; we really early on thought it was very important both for this project and for our town," Jordan said.

The project requires several approvals, including a specific plan amendment, zone change, tentative parcel map, and conditional use permit. Sean Reilly, a city staff member, presented the project details, noting that it is consistent with the General Plan and meets all development standards for the proposed C3 zoning district.

The development will include various amenities such as a pool area, linear park and indoor-outdoor spaces. Nolan Leggio, representing Diversified Pacific, highlighted the project's focus on creating a welcoming environment for residents and potential commercial tenants.

The project's environmental impact was a point of discussion during the meeting. Chase Preciado, speaking on behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility (SAFER), requested that the city decline to approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), a document stating that a project will not have a significant negative impact on the environment, citing concerns about energy impacts and biological resources.

However, Haseeb Qureshi, an environmental consultant at Urban Crossroads, defended the project's compliance with greenhouse gas emission standards. "The project not only meets but exceeds the current standards applicable for greenhouse gas reduction and aligns with California's long-term climate goals," Qureshi stated.

Commissioners expressed support for the project, with some encouraging the applicant to consider incorporating more all-electric elements and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Commissioner Conrad Guzkowski, suggested working with staff to potentially include these features before the project reaches City Council.

The commission's recommendation includes approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration, socioeconomic cost-benefit study, specific plan amendment, zone change, tentative parcel map, conditional use permit and density bonus, and inclusionary housing agreements.

What they’re saying: Bobby Garrity, a member of the public, spoke in favor of the project, citing the need for more affordable housing in Redlands. "Housing in Redlands is far too expensive and we don't have enough of it," Garrity said. "I ask that you all vote yes to recommend approval of this project so we could have more homes in our city."

Moving forward: The Tennessee Village Project will now move forward to the City Council for final approval. If approved, it will mark a significant addition to Redlands' housing stock and commercial space, potentially addressing some of the city's housing affordability concerns while incorporating sustainable design elements.