Manteca is leaving no stone unturned in exploring ways to lure private sector investment into downtown.
And one option they’re pursuing with a non-profit housing organization is the fact by 2028 Manteca will be able to take advantage of state laws and programs aimed at developing transit village around commuter rail stations.
All of downtown as well as a good chunk of the central district will be within a half mile of the ACE commuter rail stop on Moffat Boulevard south of the transit center.
Work on the actual platform and accompanying parking lot will take place this year or in 2027 with train service targeted to start in 2028.
Under Senate Bill 79 that became California law in October and takes effect starting on July 1 of this year, a heavy rail stop such as is coming to downtown Manteca qualified for streamlined permitting, higher density, and building height.
It also comes with the ability to build high density housing in single residential zones as well as commercial or mixed-use zones.
There also housing funding programs that give significantly more points in the approval process for projects that are within walking distance of a major transit stop.
That is what city leaders hope will allow a non-profit to secure funding for a five-story building proposed for the northwest corner of Sycamore Avenue and Yosemite Avenue.
Low-income senior housing is proposed for the upper floors with retail on the ground floor.
The law makes the vacant lot directly across from the transit station along the 100 block of South Grant Street ideal for a combined retail/residential project up to 65 feet.
It also would allow parcels with older single-family homes nearby to be combined for high density development as well.
Also within a half mile are areas south of the tracks such as Oak Street and Manteca’s first neighborhood around Baccileri Park and Southside Park.
On the north side it includes areas around Manteca High, along part of Yosemite Avenue and areas between Center and North streets.
ACE service from downtown Manteca will run to San Jose as well as Sacramento.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
