Community activism is forcing the City of Fresno to rethink its ambitious and controversial Southeast Development Area (SEDA) plan. The proposed development project of massive proportions would convert 9,000 acres of working farms and rural residences into a suburban landscape jammed with 45,000 houses interspersed with commercial malls and industrial parks. Not surprisingly, it has run into vehement organized opposition from many residents.
After simmering for years, the controversial SEDA plan has burst forth as a burning issue in recent months with the time for official decisions approaching. Opposition ramped up, as the City’s planning commission and then the City Council pondered the fate of SEDA.
The persistent and informed disapproval of the SEDA plan by community members forced Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer to propose a much smaller project area, at least for now. The City’s fallback proposal is called South SEDA. It is a 1,547-acre area between Jensen and North avenues, and between Minnewawa and Temperance avenues. It is designated for research and development…