Transforming the former El Sobrante Christian High School into the Triangle Development District
Site
Central Assembly of Richmond is working to revitalize its former El Sobrante Christian High School property at 5070-5098 Sobrante Avenue into the Triangle Devlopment District - a central community hub that will contain affordable housing with space for non-profits to operate and possibly a neighborhood grocery store to address the area’s food desert.
Over the past year, the Church has completed an environmental investigation under the oversight of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Water Board). 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) and petroleum products into the 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 an Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives or ABCA. The Church plans to draft 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), with Water Board approval. 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-and-Trade dollars to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment.
To support cleanup work, the Church has prepared 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.
Public Comment: Community members are invited to review and comment on the draft EPA Cleanup Grant application and ABCA using the links below. Comments can be provided in writing to John Promani, Community Outreach Consultant, at john@craig-communications.com by January 14, 2026.
On January 14, 2026, the Church will share its proposed cleanup approach, including the draft EPA grant application and ABCA, with the El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council. Community members are encouraged to attend to provide feedback in-person.
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Where: El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante, CA 94803
Online at: www.tinyurl.com/CA-Richmond
Key Documents:
Draft EPA Grant Application
Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives
Project Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps: If appropriate funding is secured, the Church will submit a draft cleanup plan to the Water Board. The Water Board will then release the plan for public review and comment before any cleanup work begins.
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.