Kern County supervisors will hear from upset residents Tuesday about a proposed condominium project planned for southwest Bakersfield.
The Black Ops Real Estate project at the corner of River Run Boulevard And Elkhorn Creek Lane would bring 100 condos to the middle of a neighborhood dominated mostly by single family homes. Opponents argue the project would require an amendment to the Kern River Plan, which protects Kern River habitat in the city and county.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission voted against the project in early June. Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors is set to consider making an advisory recommendation on an amendment to river plan. On Wednesday, the Bakersfield City Council will hear an appeal of the project by Black Ops.
"We're not trying to do anything that devalues properties," said Roger McIntosh of McIntosh & Associates, which represented Black Ops during the planning commission hearing. "We are consistent with the Kern River Plan and that's why we're asking for a designation change."
Opponents say a high-density housing project is incompatible with the existing neighborhoods.
"The county and the city decided to make the Kern River as it flows through the city and county, to make the area on both sides of the river special property," said Michael Fitzgerald, who opposes the project. "So the intent was to preserve and protect open space and recreational facilities."
Black Ops first wanted to construct an apartment building on the land, before changing its proposal to 100 condos. Now, some residents say Black Ops has offered to amend its plan again and only build single family homes.
The Black Ops Real Estate project at the corner of River Run Boulevard And Elkhorn Creek Lane would bring 100 condos to the middle of a neighborhood dominated mostly by single family homes. Opponents argue the project would require an amendment to the Kern River Plan, which protects Kern River habitat in the city and county.
The Bakersfield Planning Commission voted against the project in early June. Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors is set to consider making an advisory recommendation on an amendment to river plan. On Wednesday, the Bakersfield City Council will hear an appeal of the project by Black Ops.
"We're not trying to do anything that devalues properties," said Roger McIntosh of McIntosh & Associates, which represented Black Ops during the planning commission hearing. "We are consistent with the Kern River Plan and that's why we're asking for a designation change."
Opponents say a high-density housing project is incompatible with the existing neighborhoods.
"The county and the city decided to make the Kern River as it flows through the city and county, to make the area on both sides of the river special property," said Michael Fitzgerald, who opposes the project. "So the intent was to preserve and protect open space and recreational facilities."
Black Ops first wanted to construct an apartment building on the land, before changing its proposal to 100 condos. Now, some residents say Black Ops has offered to amend its plan again and only build single family homes.
