Fremont coalition wants to derail Warm Springs development

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) -- A community coalition wants to stop a massive development project in Fremont from moving forward unless concessions are made from one of its developers.

Opponents are planning to rally Tuesday night, ahead of the city council meeting. They say the Warm Springs project will hurt thousands of working class families.

But supporters believe the project is in the city's best interest.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of construction, a white-colored flower shack sticks out along the road. Winston Leong opened, W.L. Nursery and Flowers, back in 1985. For him, the business is more than just about roses. It's been his piece of the American Dream.

"I can do my own thing, set my own schedule, read my paper. I enjoy the freedom," said Leong.

But changes are coming to this part of Fremont.

Next door is the anchor of the Warm Springs Innovation Center -- a brand new BART station slated to be done by the end of 2015. It's all a part of a massive plan to bring nearly 4,000 housing units, 12,000 jobs, as well as shopping, retail and entertainment in the next few years.

"A transit-oriented jobs-focused center in the heart of Silicon Valley, and that's why we think this project is so special to the city, to the region, and our community," said Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison.

However, there have been critics of the community plan.

The RISE Fremont Coalition wants one of the developers, Lennar to earmark more money for local job training and to include additional affordable housing in its proposal, as they did for San Francisco through its construction in Bayview and Hunter's Point.

But Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison says there's a difference between the two projects. Lennar purchased more than 100 acres from the Union Pacific Railroad, out of the nearly 900, designated for the plan. In other words, a private market-rate transaction.

Leong views the project as a move in the right direction. He says it's a sign of better things to come, as he plans to retire.

"I don't mind the interruption, as long as it all moves smoothly, and everything is ok, then I'm ok," said Leong.

City councilmembers will vote on the Lennar proposal sometime in March.