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District to study merger
by Kyle Szymanski
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
REGIONAL Fire Chief Brian Helmick of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD) received approval from the district’s fire board last week to investigate consolidation options. Helmick can spend up to $10,000 to study the implications of merging ECCFPD with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire). “We say we’re kicking over every rock, and this rock is pretty stale,” Helmick explained. “This is one thing that hasn’t been looked into by this administration at all. I want to make sure that the information we’re bringing back to the board is accurate, updated and relevant.” Helmick went on to say that while consolidation has been discussed and dismissed as a solution to the district’s persistent fiscal issues, a definitive study on the topic was never completed. ConFire is expected to see Merger page 22
million for the effort, made up of bond refinancing proceeds restricted for economic development use. “Think of it as an investment that the city can make that will yield benefits down the road,” said Assistant City Manager Terrence Grindall. The financial assistance could go toward an array of private development needs or requirements, such as building permits, inspections, infrastructure fees and public or off-site improvements man-
OAKLEY More than 200 homes long planned near Rose Avenue could soon be built. City leaders recently approved three additional Stonewood Subdivision segments — totaling 241 oneand two-story homes — west of Rose Avenue, south of Longhorn Way and north of Carpenter Road. The Oakley Planning Commission approved the project maps in 2006 and 2007, leaving the current Oakley City Council to only mull over home, landscaping, fencing and wall designs. No design amendments were made. “The only thing left to do before building houses can start is a design review,” said Oakley Mayor Kevin Romick. “When completed the project will provide access to O’Hara from Main Street at a traffic lighted intersection at Carpenter and O’Hara improving traffic flow and safety.” Applicant Albert D. Seeno Construction Co. intends to construct 70 one-story and 171 twostory homes, ranging between 2,100 and 3,272 livable square feet and featuring four to five bedrooms; three to four bathrooms and two- to three-space garages. No definitive timetable for development has been set, but activity could pick up as soon as 2021, said Oakley Community Development Director Joshua McMurray. “We are very excited about the design review approval we just re-
see Incentives page 22
see Home page 22
Photo by Tony Kukulich
O
scar Fisher joins a rally in Brentwood City Park, Tuesday, Sept. 15, in support of the Reopen California Schools movement. The crowd of about 60 marched down Brentwood Boulevard to gain the attention of passing motorists before returning to the downtown area. To view a video and a slideshow of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia
City to offer business-attracting incentives “ Think of it as an investment that the city can
by Kyle Szymanski Staff Writer
BRENTWOOD The city launched a new economic development incentive program to attract businesses that will bring particular benefits. The monetary lures — which include financial assistance, grants, loans, advancements, matches or forgiveness — could be used to offset financial, regulatory or physical impediments to high-quality private development, according to city documents.
make that will yield benefits down the road.
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Terrence Grindall Brentwood assistant city manager The hooks will be offered to businesses that can meet two of several criteria, including creating at least 25 new full-time equivalent jobs equal to or exceeding the medium per capita income for Brentwood residents; generat-
Adopt-A-Pet........................... .............. 6 Classifieds........................................... 19
ing $100,000 annually in new tax revenue for the city; occupying or leasing a vacant building or space that has been vacant for least six months; or constructing a new commercial or industrial building. The city has set aside $1.4
Cop Logs.............................................. 17 Entertainment..................................... 9
Health & Beauty................................ 18 Milestones.......................................... 10
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