March 4, 2026: KSBW8 Action News | Jazmon DeJarnette
Marina City Council is evaluating a proposal to change zoning rules to allow housing development near the city’s Walmart shopping center.
MARINA, Calif. —
Marina City Council is considering a zoning change to allow housing and retail development on a 6-acre lot near the Walmart shopping center, a proposal that has been nearly 20 years in the making.“By getting the residential component of it approved tonight, then we can go ahead and build the affordable housing that goes along with it. And that’s really what I’m after,” said Terry Tallen, CEO of Tallen Capital Partners, owner of the properties.
City leaders are questioning whether this is the right time to give up the commercial space.
The mayor pointed to developments like the Marina Dunes, saying the city is adding homes where it makes the most sense.
“Our goals toward affordability as far as units, homes, and then market rate homes is being met without this; this would be in addition to meeting our goals,” Bruce Delgado, mayor for the city of Marina.
The developer stated that retail doesn’t work on its own anymore and that housing would help bring restaurants and shops to North Marina.
“The retail market is pretty well dried up here. Now, what we’re certain of is that once we can put housing on the site, will then have enough density on the site to get in some restaurants,” said Tallen.
City leaders are expected to decide on the zoning change at the next council meeting, and if approved, development on the lot would begin as soon as possible.
