Granville Homes continues to invest in downtown development in the City of Fresno.  The Fresno Bee reports that the builder recently purchased 2.12 acres, which includes the entire block around the Fresno Metropolitan Museum (except for the museum itself).  Granville President Darius Assemi proposed a future mixed-use project for the site including 69 residential units and 10,500 acres of commercial space.  Architecturally, the project will try to incorporate the historic character its location.

Two months have passed since the dramatic Fresno City Council meetings on April 5^th and 19^th that resulted in forwarding the General Plan Update (GPU) “Alternative A,” a model uniquely different from previous plans.  Since then, many inquiries have been made asking how such a turn in public policy was accomplished.

What happened at those meetings?  How has the City of Fresno, previously known for its sprawling residential developments, moved forward with a smart growth plan that promotes downtown revitalization, infill and transit-oriented development, and saves prime farmland and open space?  How were the people mobilized?

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