The B’nai Shalom Renovation Project cleared the first hurdle in the City of Walnut Creek’s land use permit process in record setting fashion.

On Wednesday, August 15th, The Design Review Commission embraced our project with enthusiasm, and gave kudos to our planning team and architectural team. The application was only scheduled for a study session for us to present the project, answer questions, and receive feedback. The DRC found no further action to be taken. Apparently, for the first time in City history, the DRC gave approval to a project at a study session and immediately sent our application forward to the Planning Commission!!!

This unprecedented action by the DRC was more than we ever could have imagined!!! We have effectively eliminated about two months from the planning process!

Presentations were made by our assigned City planner, Ethan Bindernagle, Mark Schlientz (architect), Jeff Miller (landscape architect), and me (on behalf of the synagogue applicant). We explained the details of the project, existing use of our property, the need for a new social hall, expanded parking, expanded offices, renovated classrooms, improved disabled access, and enhanced landscaping of the property. We explained how the project is also good for the neighborhood in terms of improved traffic circulation, parking, and the like.

Two neighbors spoke and asked questions, which we were able to answer to their satisfaction. The week prior we held a neighborhood meeting, and about 20 Eckley Lane neighbors attended. They were treated to an in-depth review of the project and had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss how the project benefits the neighborhood. It was a very productive meeting in terms of neighborhood relations.

When we return to the DRC at the end of the planning process, we will provide more requested details related to landscaping, tree preservation or removal, color of the buildings, outdoor lighting, construction of a fence to screen the neighbor’s home, and other small miscellaneous design details.

Some of the comments we received from the Commissioners were:

“Your design is very impressive. I am very in favor of it.”

“You have done a great job. The pinwheel floating roof of the social hall is stunning.”

“I wish all churches (and synagogues) had as good of traffic circulation plan as you have.

“I like the improvements along Eckley Lane and your working with the neighbors as much as you have.”

“My compliments to the architect for designing a building which integrates the existing unique synagogue structures with the new social hall. They compliment each other so well.”

“The form, proportion, massing, and esthetics are terrific. I have nothing to pick on!”

“Your design is clean, classy, and interesting.”

Our next step is to seek Planning Commission approval which we hope will come in early October. The City Engineer requested clarification of our storm water management plan, which has been addressed by Douglas Flett, our civil engineer, who is also responding to more questions about Eckley Lane improvements such as street widening and replacement of the broken sidewalk near our existing social hall.
Once the City Engineer deems the details complete, our planner will certify the application status and issue an environmental opinion under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and determination by the City that we do not have to prepare a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), but rather that the project complies with the law so that the City will issue and post a Negative Declaration - meaning our project does not have any major environmental concerns. Approximately 30-40 days later we hope to appear before the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission will address issues involving the actual use of our property, traffic flow, street widening, storm water collection, privacy protection for our neighbors, time of use restrictions of the new patio to ensure our use does not interfere with the religious services of the Church below, and ensuring that our plan is in compliance with land use regulations.

So, are we really excited about this project? You betcha! You should be excited too because this dream belongs to all of us. It is unfolding before us - now on a fast track - as together we continue to build our spiritual home. May we all see the day when we celebrate together in the new social hall, partake in a meal prepared in the new kitchens, pray together in a redecorated sanctuary, study together in new classrooms, and have more on-site parking to avoid the long walk up the hill.

May we continue on our journey from strength to strength.