Redeveloping the former
El Sobrante Christian High School
Central Assembly of Richmond is working to revitalize its former El Sobrante Christian High School property at 5070-5098 Sobrante Avenue into a central community asset within the Triangle Mixed-Use Area. The proposed development would include affordable housing with space for local non-profits, community-centric retail and/or a community resilience center that would provide shelter and resources before, during and after climate-related emergencies.
The Church completed an environmental investigation under the oversight of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board) in early 2026. Findings will lead to a cleanup plan to support safe redevelopment.
Environmental update
Past dry-cleaning at the site and gas station operations near the site released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into soil and groundwater. Environmental investigations have found that most contamination is located on-site near the former dry cleaner, but some extends off-site to the north-northwest.
The Church evaluated several cleanup options in a Draft Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives, or ABCA, that was approved by the Water Board in late January 2026. The Church is drafting a cleanup plan for the Water Board’s review and approval that recommends cleaning up the site by removing (excavating) impacted soil in the area where the dry cleaner once operated and treating that soil to break down harmful chemicals in soil and groundwater and reduce their movement off-site. We anticipate treating the soil using a form of iron, called zero valent iron (ZVI). This sustainable cleanup method will limit contaminated material being sent to landfills and reduce truck traffic in the community compared with a traditional dig and haul approach.
A worker collects samples at the site parking lot.
While investigations were underway, the Church partnered with Triangle Works, Colors for Kids, and The Good Table on interim site uses. Here, Color for Kids is painting a mural along the sidewalk facing Appian Way.
Project funding
Work to date has been funded by the Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC’s) Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG), supported by California Climate Investments – a statewide initiative that uses Cap-andTrade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment. To support cleanup work, the Church has submitted a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) Brownfields Cleanup Grant application. The application summarizes the project status, how funding will be used and includes a copy of the ABCA. The Church was unsuccessful in securing funds with the EPA. The Church has also submitted an application with DTSC and successfully extended its ECRG funding to support site cleanup through October 7, 2027.
Next Steps
The Church’s environmental consultant is requesting bids from Remediation & Demo/Abatement Contractors through the end of the summer. The Church has posted a Request for Qualifications (see below link under Key Documents) to Affordable Housing Developers, requesting responses by October 2, 2026. We plan to make a presentation at the El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) this fall.
Key Documents:
Request for Qualifications to Affordable Housing Developers, Project Briefing Sheet, Development Analysis & Plans (August 2026) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztv8xlr57bgtzaaea2y3g/CentralAssembly_Developer-RFQ-Package_Final_8.10.26.pdf?rlkey=4jqbl54cwfyjrjkkgte8b5o92&st=9sectymw&dl=0
EPA Grant Application https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k2wslavayknzveaex9ldm/Central-Assembly-EPA-Cleanup-FY26-Application-1.28.25-compressed.pdf?rlkey=u76ayqo9wbbudxneclqyitj3h&dl=0
Final Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lejbjpgk1qd69bp5f26wv/Analysis-of-Brownsfield-Cleanup-Alternatives_Final.pdf?rlkey=2wfzcnh7puqlr0pz6a1lw6v1n&dl=0
Response to Comments Summary on Draft EPA Application https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kcxpd612kiff3z4xvaiyo/CAR_PC-Summary_01.27.2026_Finalv2.pdf?rlkey=bf85onl4wfhho2k8vl0dzp24f&dl=0
El Sobrante MAC January 14, 2026 Meeting Presentation https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2o3ci5vkz69vt618zz4mj/CentralAssembly_MAC-Presentation_1.14.26_Finalv2.pdf?rlkey=953c67sc1mql886ga4de02cgn&dl=0
Project Fact Sheet https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cdx5f1j7u5m2muhu5oggn/CAR_ProjUpdateFS_Dec-23-25_ENG-SPN.pdf?rlkey=3uszdsoi4yjgn8ngtmgvork0z&dl=0
Frequently Asked Questions https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nbfqw1m5fm8fz4rkrd886/CentralAssembly_FAQ_2025.12.30_Final.pdf?rlkey=z7h08i691bjl7989b0q9nn9n2&dl=0
For More Information:
The Church will continue to keep the community informed through fact sheets and meetings as we move forward. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a briefing for your organization, please contact John Promani, Community Outreach Consultant, at 510-775-3421 or john@craig-communications.com.
Updated 2/6/2026