Not All Davis Residents Excited For New Cannery Housing Project

DAVIS (CBS13) - A residential development planned for Davis could bring nearly 550 new homes to the area.

The planning commission will hear the final proposal this week, but not everyone is on board with the so-called "Cannery Project."

Mary Jo Bryan has lived in Davis for 40 years and is passionate about the future of the city.

"We are trying to get them to provide more single story detached homes in the sizes and styles in a neighborhood setting," she said.

The latest project up for approval in north Davis is unique.

"There's eight different housing types, 24 different house plans. The homes are rental apartments to elevator served condominiums," said Ashley Feeney, of New Home Company.

It all sits on a 100-acre plot of land.

"It was a tomato canning facility that was owned by Hunt Wesson," said Feeney.

The factory closed in the 1990s.

"Really, over time the city has grown up around the site," said Feeney.

The Cannery Project has been in the works for the past nine years.

"We have a 15-acre commerce district that will include employment, retail, restaurants, and a market hall," said Feeney.

There's even an urban farm in the plans. The goal is to meet all different lifestyles and financial needs.

"Every home in the cannery neighborhood is going to be within 300 feet of a park or trail," said Feeney.

The homes will range from 1,150 square feet to more than 3,000. Bryan says for some that's just too big, and multi-level isn't always functional.

"If you're older than a certain age, 50 to 55, or disabled, you're not going to buy a home that's half accessible; they're all two story homes," said Bryan.

The development does boast elevator and easy access, plus it's green.

"These homes are going to be incredibly energy efficient, 40 percent above the state's energy efficiency code," said Feeney.

Still, Bryan is passing around a petition, which so far has 100 signatures.

"The citizens of Davis do not feel the Cannery Project, as it is now, fulfills our needs," said Bryan.

That petition will be presented to the city council. Meanwhile, the supporters of the project are excited and hopeful the city will back them up.

"We believe there's going to be homes to fit the needs of everyone," said Feeney.

There will be five public meetings before the city council makes a decision. If approved, construction will begin in the spring of next year.