We, the undersigned residents of North Fresno, are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed development by Melanie Halajian of Land Development Services, Inc. for a two-story and one-story, 48-unit multifamily apartment complex on the 3.23-acre parcel at the northeast corner of North Chestnut and East Behymer Avenues, directly adjacent to Kids Kare River Bluff daycare.

The surrounding neighborhoods consist predominantly of single-story, owner-occupied homes with an average density of 6–7 units per acre. This proposed development would increase the density to approximately 14.9 units per acre, more than doubling the typical neighborhood density and creating significant concerns regarding compatibility with the character of our community, safety, infrastructure strain, and overall quality of life.

Our specific concerns include:

1. Traffic Congestion and Safety Risks

The intersection of Chestnut and Behymer is already a known congestion point, particularly during peak school hours. The area is served by Riverview Elementary, Clovis North High School, and Clovis Community College, all within a one-mile radius.

The proposed 48 units could result in 90–100 additional vehicles, further burdening the already narrow, single-lane (even with a double-lane if build) Chestnut Avenue, and compromising the safety of children, daycare attendees, pedestrians, and cyclists.

2. Loss of Privacy

The two-story apartment buildings will include second-story balconies and windows with direct lines of sight into the backyards of existing single-story homes.

Landscaping plans only include small trees along the property boundary, providing inadequate privacy screening for neighboring residences. In addition, there will be a 6 foot wall which is less than sufficient for neighboring homes.

3. Inadequate Onsite Parking

The site plan includes 88 or less parking spaces, which is insufficient for a 48-unit complex where many households may have two or more vehicles.

This shortage will force residents and their guests to park along Chestnut and Behymer, increasing congestion and creating potential safety hazards and nuisance conditions.

4. Noise Pollution

Increased residential density and the accompanying surge in traffic and activity will lead to a rise in noise levels, especially affecting residents living adjacent to the complex.

Noise from cars, residents, shared amenities, and possible late-night activity will degrade the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed by nearby homeowners.

5. School Overcrowding

Local schools are already at or near capacity. Additional families from the proposed development will strain existing resources, increase student-teacher ratios, and impact the quality of education for all children in the area.
 
While we support thoughtful housing development, we urge the City of Fresno Planning Commission, the District 6 Project Review Committee, and the Fresno City Council to reject this proposal in its current form. We call for housing that aligns with the existing character and infrastructure of our community, including:

1. Lower-density, single-story residential development.

2. Sufficient parking to accommodate all residents and guests onsite.

3. Mature landscaping to preserve neighboring privacy.

4. Assurance that public infrastructure—especially roads and schools—can support new residents.

Respectfully,

The Undersigned Residents of District 6, Fresno, CA