The potential development of the property located along 6th Street in Biggs is currently a hot topic in the small town. 

BIGGS, CA (MPG) - What has become a controversial project in the City of Biggs came before the City Council for direction at their Aug. 13 meeting.

Developers have been working with landowners on a potential project located on Sixth Street across from Dakota and Trent streets that could potentially bring 18 single-family homes and 42 apartment complexes to Biggs.

The council was asked to entertain a rezoning request that would shift the high-density land usage designation needed for the 42 apartment complexes from the south end of the proposed project’s tentative map to the north end, closer to city services.

The City of Biggs agenda states that the project has been rezoned twice in an effort to meet the State of California’s housing mandates. The apartment complex is financed with tax incentives that require a specific set of tenants, not specifically low income.

Kory Hamman, representing the property owners and project, addressed the council and community members in attendance with concerns regarding the proposed development.

Hamman spoke of the benefit of the project to the City of Biggs and the difficulties getting a developer to start projects such as this in the small town, and he attempted to address the fears of increased crime, traffic or unsightly properties that were a worry for residents.

The apartment complex would be similar to those built in Gridley recently on Ford Avenue and would require applicants be screened with background checks and credit checks.

Council and Hamman were met with strong resistance from community members who loudly voiced concerns over the project.

Mayor Brian Basset closed public comment on the issue, saying that the council needed to discuss the matter after hearing from Hamman and the public that evening to “see what options we do have to satisfy the state and try and satisfy our city.”