Concord Negotiates with New Developer for Military Base Property

New developments in Concord’s five-phase urban development plan.

Image c/o Google Satellite

By Anthony Romero
News Reporter

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The City of Concord has finalized a partnership with Brookfield Properties after accepting a term sheet for developing a naval weapons station. Plans for the former military base include the construction of a sustainable community space with unique offerings for housing, diversified job opportunities, and open recreational areas for hopeful residents in the East Bay. This particular five-phase deal with Brookfield is set to start development over a period of 40 years and will engage union organizers and emphasize community benefits. The 4,972-acre area will include 12,200 homes and 880 acres of dedicated green space; the developers intend to allocate 25% of the planned housing projects to designated affordable rates adjusted to the East Bay area. "I like the idea that our good friends at Brookfield are sticking their neck into the business (of affordable housing)," stated Concord Mayor Edi Birsan. "I think that's great." The majority of housing will be centered near Highway 4 and its commercial district at the western end will be close to the North Concord BART Station. Improvements to current infrastructure will also be considered, such as widening Willow Pass Road. 

The Concord City Council’s negotiation agreement with Brookfield will give the real estate company 48 months to discuss the plan with the US Navy, who as of now still owns the land but has already selected the City of Concord as the primary reuse authority for future developments. Brookfield has brokered exclusive partnerships with the Contra Costa Building and Construction Trades Council and the Nor Cal Carpenters Union to handle construction for the project. Over its construction period, Brookfield has agreed to dedicate $100 million to build local sports parks, $65 million towards a community center and library, and reserve 55 acres for schools. Half of the area will encompass a 2,543-acre park, which will preserve habitats for endangered plants and wildlife. The overall goal for the area is to provide a solution to the expensive housing market in the Bay Area while also reducing the suburban climate impact. “There’s an emphasis on lowering greenhouse gas emissions and making it a transit-oriented development that is pedestrian and bicycle-friendly with higher densities around the train station,” says Guy Bjerke, Concord’s director of economic development and base reuse. As a developer, Brookfield is set to receive $6 billion.

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