The city had denied the project, claiming it was inconsistent with the general plan. But the judge, a former city council member, said the inconsistency was not identified during the "shot clock" period under the Housing Accountability Act.
The city bought the theater to avoid sale to an evangelical church. That set up an explosion of litigation -- which the city is winning and the church is losing.
CEQA lawsuit claims county's mitigation measures on land use, agricultural mitigation and other issues are vague, unenforceable and will induce sprawl.
As planners from around the state gather in Fresno this coming weekend, CP&DR talked to four Central Valley planning directors about planning, growth, housing, and economic development.
In the wake of the pandemic, some California downtowns are stronger than ever. Others resemble the walking dead. Both scenarios have inspired planners to get creative.