FRESNO, Calif. – On November 7th, the Fresno City Council reviewed the draft of the Tower District Specific Plan, a guiding strategy for one of Fresno’s most beloved neighborhoods. The Tower District—a historic and cultural landmark just north of Downtown Fresno—is undergoing its first major revision since 1991.
Overview of the Tower District
The Tower District is home to several of Fresno’s key locations, including Fresno City College—one of the oldest community colleges in the U.S. and the original home of California State University, Fresno. The district also includes approximately eight schools, including Fresno High, 15 churches, five historic districts, three parks and some of Fresno’s oldest businesses. At the heart of the area is the iconic Tower Theatre on Olive Ave, a symbol of the district’s cultural heritage.
Revisiting the Specific Plan
The City of Fresno is revisiting the Tower District’s plan primarily to address Fresno’s need for increased housing, particularly affordable housing. While the current plan emphasizes historic preservation and walkability, the proposed changes focus on rezoning areas to increase housing density. However, these changes have sparked concerns among local business owners and residents who worry about parking issues, loitering, vandalism, and a potential shift in the area’s character.
[Related: City Announces Rezoning Plan for South Central Fresno: What It Means for Local Businesses, Part 1]
Business and Community Concerns
In the public comment portion of building this plan, businesses and residents cited several concerns including:
- Safety and maintenance (loitering, vandalism, increased trash, notably around a recycling center on Oliver and Arthur Avenues)
- Industrial zoning (businesses want to maintain their industrial space)
- Parking issues (business owners note the limited parking in the area)
- Rezoning (homeowners objected to the Neighborhood Mixed Use which would require a conditional use permit if current tenants vacate)
- Lack of amenities (libraries, grocery stores, and green spaces)
- Noise (many residents do not like the “Entertainment District” impacts on noise level and safety)
Click here for more on the public comments.
Planning Process and Timeline
The Tower Specific Plan development will take place between Summer 2022 and early 2025. It is divided into three phases:
- Assessment Phase (Summer 2022): Gathering community input.
- Recommendations Phase: Conducting community workshops to shape initial recommendations.
- Drafting the Plan: Currently underway, with a draft released for public comment from July 12 to August 12, 2024.
The final environmental impact report is expected in summer 2025, and the City Council has tentatively scheduled a vote for early 2025. On November 7, the Fresno City Council adopted the latest plan review with amendments, moving the project forward.
Click here for the link to the November 7th City Council Meeting.
Key Amendments
The initial draft of the plan proposed increased housing density along Blackstone Avenue. However, Councilmember Miguel Arias recommended expanding this density from McKinley to Bremer, thereby extending high-density zoning along the east side of the Tower District. This amendment, aimed at boosting Fresno’s housing supply, would extend from McKinley down to the Highway 180 on-ramp, excluding the Susan B. Anthony School.
Additionally, Councilmember Arias raised concerns about residents in industrial zones near Producers Dairy, suggesting that the city consider alternative zoning options for these residents to improve living conditions.
Statewide Housing Legislation on Local Impact
Referenced in the November 7 meeting, Senate Bill 9 (SB 9) is a state law signed on September 16, 2021, which allows homeowners to split single-family lots and build up to four units (two on each lot) by adding accessory dwelling units. This bill aims to increase housing across California while preserving neighborhood character, excluding historic districts and prime farmland. The inclusion of SB 9 supports Fresno’s efforts to streamline the development process, facilitating property owners in expanding housing capacity.
As the Tower District Specific Plan progresses and further updates become available, we will continue to provide the latest information on any developments that may impact the community.
*Featured Image is from Tower District Specific Plan and Visit Fresno
