Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council this week discussed its support statement for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The council voted 3-2 to approve the statement Monday, with opinions exchanged on what a losing vote might mean for the 945 acres involved. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy said the documents indicate “the whole 1,000 acres would be developed without mitigating its impacts. It’s not true.” Councilwoman Sandy Anderson disagreed, saying “I think it is true.” Planning Commission Chairman Robin Peters said the city has no power to change the General Plan designation of land outside of city limits, and has a limited ability to limit the development of existing industrially zoned properties. 612 acres of the project’s property are in the city, and 333 acres are in unincorporated Amador County. Its General Plan designation is all industrial or high-density residential. Commissioner Frank Cunha said the commission learned from City Planner Bruce Baracco that “there would be no mitigations because the project is already permitted,” based on 1994 documentation. He said 16 parcels on 112 acres was zoned for industrial use, and the owners could “size it down,” but they should be “prepared to pay.” Commissioner Mike Kirkley said “there’s a whole lot bigger area up there than 1,000 acres.” And he said it was unfair to emphasize that zoning “because it’s been zoned that way for a long time.” City Treasurer Cathy Castillo asked about the budget difference, and formation of a Community Facilities District, and she said there is no market for the bonds. Mayor Gary Wooten pointed out that Community Facilities Districts are proposed by the developer, including one in the development agreement that would pay for the impact that Gold Rush has on City Hall. Castillo said there are no underwriters that would carry the bonds for those districts. Councilwoman Anderson said the issues and applicable decisions had already been made. Cunha agreed, saying the market climate was discussed with developers at the Planning Commission level. Cunha said “if there is no market, the project doesn’t get built.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Friday, 12 March 2010 01:24
Sutter Creek Discusses Potential Results of Gold Rush vote
Amador County – The Sutter Creek City Council this week discussed its support statement for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. The council voted 3-2 to approve the statement Monday, with opinions exchanged on what a losing vote might mean for the 945 acres involved. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy said the documents indicate “the whole 1,000 acres would be developed without mitigating its impacts. It’s not true.” Councilwoman Sandy Anderson disagreed, saying “I think it is true.” Planning Commission Chairman Robin Peters said the city has no power to change the General Plan designation of land outside of city limits, and has a limited ability to limit the development of existing industrially zoned properties. 612 acres of the project’s property are in the city, and 333 acres are in unincorporated Amador County. Its General Plan designation is all industrial or high-density residential. Commissioner Frank Cunha said the commission learned from City Planner Bruce Baracco that “there would be no mitigations because the project is already permitted,” based on 1994 documentation. He said 16 parcels on 112 acres was zoned for industrial use, and the owners could “size it down,” but they should be “prepared to pay.” Commissioner Mike Kirkley said “there’s a whole lot bigger area up there than 1,000 acres.” And he said it was unfair to emphasize that zoning “because it’s been zoned that way for a long time.” City Treasurer Cathy Castillo asked about the budget difference, and formation of a Community Facilities District, and she said there is no market for the bonds. Mayor Gary Wooten pointed out that Community Facilities Districts are proposed by the developer, including one in the development agreement that would pay for the impact that Gold Rush has on City Hall. Castillo said there are no underwriters that would carry the bonds for those districts. Councilwoman Anderson said the issues and applicable decisions had already been made. Cunha agreed, saying the market climate was discussed with developers at the Planning Commission level. Cunha said “if there is no market, the project doesn’t get built.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Latest from
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