25 Apr Pittsburg Is Looking for Community Voices as It Updates Zoning

(Photo collage by Emily Molina / The CC Pulse)

By Emily Molina

Do you want to see a farmer’s market in Old Downtown? Or have a ferry take you from the Pittsburg Marina port to San Francisco?

Pittsburg residents are invited to say what type of stores they would like to see in town, provide their experiences with shopping in Pittsburg, or bring ideas to make Old Town inviting for residents and tourists.  

The City Zoning Ordinance is a series of rules and regulations that outline what is allowed to be built in Pittsburg, how the structures can be built, and the types of buildings permitted in particular areas of Pittsburg. 

The workshops are led by Zoning Ordinance senior planner Maurice Brenyah-Addow, who said the purpose of updating the zoning is to emphasize Pittsburg as a place to live, play and shop for all residents. 

The new Zoning Ordinance will be a refresh of the existing City Zoning Code and will focus on generating more dollars for the community. 

At a recent public workshop, residents vocalized ideas to invest in Old Town, like having people set sail from the historic marina port on an attractive delta cruise.

Other residents recommended more appealing places for the younger people, who often live outside of town, for recreation and nightlife.   

Paula Rodriguez, 22, who grew up in Pittsburg, hopes for new spaces where she and her friends can have fun, especially alcohol-free places. 

Yuvisela Muñoz, a 23-year-old born and raised in Pittsburg, suggested bringing in a Trader Joe’s because of the affordability of the produce and popularity among customers. 

“I want to be part of shaping what the future of Pittsburg would look like,” said Muñoz.

“I feel like Pittsburg city workers are very receptive to what we want, so it’s very exciting to come here and share our ideas and thoughts. Hopefully, we will see them come to life one day.”

Along the same line, a comment was made on incentivizing businesses to establish themselves in Old Town Pittsburg, such as bringing back a farmer’s market to attract local business and encourage more potential customers to walk through Old Town. 

The farmer’s market in Pittsburg has not operated since the pandemic. 

Cathy Jing, a resident of nearly 30 years, attended the workshop to discuss ideas to bring more foot traffic to Old Town. 

Jing owns Skyview Noodle and Tea, nestled right by the Pittsburg Marina and California Theater. She said that over time, fewer people have been walking in the area. Consequently, to be able to afford the restaurant’s space, she said she had to let some of her staff go just to break even. Jing previously owned a home decor store in Pittsburg that closed due to low traffic.

“After COVID, every year is slow and slow,” said Jing, who added that seeing many places close has left her feeling sad about the state of affording a business in the city.

Over the years, she has seen the city’s efforts to revitalize Old Town and hopes that more community voices can shape the future look of Pittsburg.

To review the current 2040 General Plan and upcoming workshops, check out https://pittsburg.zoningcodeupdate.org/resources. Three more workshops will happen May 10 at Los Medanos College, May 17 at Pittsburg High and May 31 at Delta View Elementary, all at 10 a.m. More details are in the flyer below.