The action, if it stands, means the end of a plan to build 556 apartments on the lot on the south side of Highway 4 between the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station and the Willow Pass interchange. The new classification allows seven single-family houses per acre.
City Councilman Bob Lewis said the city should keep the high density classification near BART because it will encourage commuters to use the mass transit system.
"Everyone in East County is counting on BART to solve their transportation problems," he said.
But City Councilwoman Aleida Rios said Pittsburg needs more upscale housing. She blasted several out-of-town speakers during Monday's meeting for trying to build high-density housing only in Pittsburg.
"Why does not Alamo and Clayton have their share? Why do they always ship it to Pittsburg?" she said.
>>>This story exhibits two reasons why 'smart growth' and 'regional' planning will not work. Locals face pressure to 'protect' their community and will always question whether the other communities are doing their fair share. Despite Pittsburg's unique cast of characters - it's really not all that unique.
