Meritage Homes has delayed the city Planning Commission’s review of a proposed 305-home subdivision.
The commission was scheduled to review the proposal for the Sedan Avene project in southeast Manteca on Thursday when the nation’s fifth largest public home builder postponed the project’s consideration at the last minute.
The company cited market conditions but indicated they would assess the situation before the end of the year with the hope of moving forward in the first quarter of 2027.
The timing — and the relatively short time period for the market assessment — prompted speculation that the delay could be driven by local politics.
Meritage Homes has asked for continuances of scheduled public hearings twice since earlier this year when Mayor Gary Singh and Councilman Mike Morowit, serving on the council’s economic subcommittee, negotiated a development agreement with the builder where they agreed to pay up to an additional $16,000 per home for community benefits.
The previous continuances were sought well in advance of the commission meetings they were scheduled for review.
In addition, this marked the third consecutive week that long-term mortgage rates have dropped
Several de...