Gonzales Development Company to hold community meeting
Site has room for 1,096 apartments or condominiums
Gonzales Development Company will be holding a community meeting Thursday to discuss development plans for Barber Yard. The location is a roughly 137-acre property at the Diamond Match Company site south of Little Chico Creek and west of Park Avenue.
Gonzales Development Company, also behind the development of Meriam Park in south Chico, is owned by Dan Gonzales. In addition to land development, Gonzales is the president of Fifth Sun apparel graphic design in Chico.
The developers stated in the invitation to the community meeting, they hope to revitalize Barber Yard as an extension of the current Barber neighborhood with housing and “neighborhood amenities” like parks, trails and commercial use property.
Barber Yard is designated in the Chico 2030 general plan as a Special Planning Area. The city describes the areas as showing potential for significant new growth but require detailed
planning in the form of a specific plan, planned development, or other comprehensive plan. According to the general plan, there are currently only four other areas in the city that qualify.
The general plan indicates the Barber Yard special planning area has room for 1,096 apartments or condominiums and 403,882
square feet of non-residential use.
The structure currently on site was originally built to house workers of the Diamond Match Factory. The factory was operational from 1901 to 1984, with the area being named after president of the Diamond Match Factory, Ohio Columbus Barber.
In a release to the public, the Gonzales Development Company said it looks forward to the community discussion as it begins the process of planning how to develop the land. The developers are hoping for community feedback on what neighbors would like to see constructed.
The Gonzales Development Company virtual Community Kickoff Meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26 and can be joined by visiting https:// www.engagetheteam.com/ BarberYard.