By the looks of the packed council chambers Tuesday, it seemed the whole KadotaFig neighborhood came out to express their opposition to the proposed General Plan changes that would increase density in their community.

One resident even let out a rallying cry before the joint meeting of the City Council and the planning commission was called to order, grabbing the microphone and asking the crowd if anyone supported the proposal. Many, in unison, yelled, “No!”

During the public statement portion of the meeting, which was held to discuss any of the 13 areas in the city being considered for landuse changes, nearly all those who came to the podium had just one area in mind: Kadota-Fig.

They cited concerns over an increase in traffic and crime, a lack of privacy, a devaluing of their properties, the impact on the city’s budget and the school district, and an overall deterioration in their quality of life.

“We didn’t want a house that I could shake my neighbor’s hand out the bathroom window,” said David Horsford, who’s lived in Kadota-Fig for 52 years. “We’d just like to be left alone by the city, and this is the only part of the city that goes back to before the city (was incorporated). And we enjoy every bit of it.”

Two hours later, the residents left in good spirits. After hearing the testimony of more than 30 residents and registering the opposition of 40 more, the joint panel agreed to take Kadota-Fig off the table to protect the character and history of the neighborhood.

“I appreciate where you live; I think it is a unique area. I live up in Bridle Path, and I would not want someone coming up there and telling me to get rid of the horses and trees,” Mayor Paul Miller said. “I think to do anything to (KadotaFig) would be like erasing the past. I do think we need to maintain our roots, so I don’t think we should do anything to it.”

Upon hearing the panel recommend no change to the entire area, the audience erupted in applause, and, in keeping with the night’s lively banter, the mayor told them to go home and “have some champagne.”

Since early 2007, the city has been working on an update to its General Plan, which will guide future growth and development. The document hasn’t been updated in 20 years.

Last summer, the City Council directed a citizen advisory committee and city staff to evaluate the impacts associated with each area being considered for rezoning.

Most of the areas are designated commercial or industrial and were selected because they are vacant, underutilized or performing poorly. Others were chosen because of the opportunity they offer the city to create higherdensity and multifamily homes that would fulfill statemandated housing requirements.

While the impassioned pleas of Kadota-Fig residents did sway the panel in its decision, some panel members noted that the city has a responsibility to provide affordable housing such as apartments and condos for future generations.

While he understood the emotion behind the residents’ statements against higher density, Commissioner Jim Dantona said he lives in a multifamily complex and that with proper planning, they are not necessarily a bad thing.

“I understand it’s not probably suited here. But I want people to understand that we are going to have to make decisions to house younger people,” he said. “At some point, this is going to come back again. Maybe your kids will be the ones arguing, but I think maybe we need to look at taking gradual steps.”

For now, the city will continue to further study the development potential of the 12 other areas that are part of the General Plan update. However, the panel did agree to reduce the intensity of development in four of those areas due to traffic concerns.

While this reduction will assure that all intersections flow freely, it will also lower the total number of residential units that could be built. But the scaled-back land-use plans will not hinder the city’s ability to meet its state requirements, city staff said.

For more information on the General Plan update, visit generalplan.simivalley.org.