At least, everyone should be in favor of it. For if they are not, then they are saying that an unused lumber mill now doubling as an auto storage facility is an acceptable use of some of the most valuable real estate in town. Of course, that is nonsense. Yet, the El Cerrito Planning Commission rejected the developer's land use application. While everyone accepts that it is a mix of housing and commercial, not everyone agrees on the proper ratio of that mix.
Housing is necessary because it provides the financing that makes everything else work.
No housing, no project. So, it has its purpose. The demand is certainly there and it combats surban sprawl. Also, if there is housing, a certain portion of it should be set aside as affordable. So a legitimate question is presented as to whether the developer's level of commitment is sufficient to meet the ethical obligation.