The long-planned implementation of the Airport Area Specific Plan and the Chevron Tank Farm Project moved one step closer to reality last night at City Council. The project, which calls for a business park (27 acres), manufacturing uses (26 acres), and dedicated open space (265 acres), incorporates tremendous area-wide infrastructure benefits like widening Tank Farm Road and numerous public amenities. However, as Chevron is the first proposed developer in the area, the upfront costs of putting in the desired infrastructure are significantly higher. In fact, it is projected to cost $11 million more than Chevron’s “fair share” of $6 million, which Chevron is willing to provide in what essentially amounts to a 0 percent interest loan to the public and other future developers in the area. In a strong show of support for its own economic development goals and community priorities, the Council last night was in total consensus to continue negotiations with Chevron to explore potential avenues for reimbursement.
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