July 3, 2002
LODI NEWS
SENTINELFirst homes in new Lockeford subdivision
will be ready in 2 years, attorney says
By Ross Farrow/News-Sentinel staff writer
The first 35 houses in what could become a 307-home subdivision
northeast of Brandt and Jack Tone roads will be completed within
two years, the developers’ attorney said.
“I think Lockeford Oaks is a reality,” said Mike Hakeem, of
Stockton, who represents developers Edward Pestana, of Lockeford,
and his brother, Ernest Pestana, of San Jose.
The Lockeford Community Services District approved the
allocation of water and sewer service for 73 of the homes on June
13, but a final contract between the district and developer isn’t
expected to be finalized until the July 11 board meeting.
At this point, the Pestanas can’t build more than 73 houses
unless they can find additional land to accommodate sewage
disposal. Community Services District officials said they couldn’t
find a willing seller.
The subdivision is planned on 90 acres northeast of Brandt and
Jack Tone, with another 34 acres to the north preserved as an oak
grove.
The San Joaquin County Planning Commission approved
construction of the subdivision by a 6-0 vote after a 21Ž2-hour
public hearing May 9.
One thousand people, the amount the full 307-home subdivision
is expected to generate, is roughly one-third of Lockeford’s
present population. According to the 2000 Census figures,
Lockeford’s population is 3,120.
Residents seem divided on Lockeford gaining a subdivision with
more than 300 homes. Some say it will ruin Lockeford’s small-town
charm, while others welcome the opportunity for the subdivision to
generate new businesses and for more businesses to become more
successful.
Hakeem said he wants to discuss with Lockeford residents
whether they want part of the oak grove dedicated as a park site,
whether they would rather have Livermore Acres pay the county a
park dedication fee or if they want a combination of the two. No
meeting has been set.
Discussion would also center on whether the community would
prefer a passive park, with picnic tables and walking areas, or a
park with athletic fields, Hakeem said. Discussions are also
needed at the community level, he said, on financing a maintenance
budget for the park.
“I’m not going to recommend that the developer paint the
picture,” Hakeem said.
Now that the county Board of Supervisors has approved the
formation of a municipal advisory council for Lockeford, Hakeem
said he would be willing to discuss the park issue with the local
advisory council.
The first MAC meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. July 18 at
the Lockeford Community Center’s McDonald Building, 19456 N. Jack
Tone Road.
Tim Fowler, co-owner of Computer Bob’s, a computer business on
Highway 88 in Lockeford, and owner of a Lockeford firm that
specializes in business arbitration and debt negotiations, has
been named chairman of the fledgling municipal advisory council.
He is not an attorney.
The council makes recommendations on community matters to the
county Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission.
Fowler said his main interests for Lockeford are public safety,
development, road maintenance and the maintenance and repair of
the alleys. Fowler has not developed an agenda for the first MAC
meeting.
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