Thursday, 02 October 2008 03:43

Pine Grove Construction Project Takes Shape

slide1.jpgBy Alex Lane - A construction project in the works for nearly 20 years is finally beginning to take shape at the intersection of Highway 88 and Ridge Road in Pine Grove. Woolin and Sons Contractors have been transferring mounds of dirt, digging ditches and shaping hillsides in anticipation of a proposed commercial center and housing project. The Del Repini Construction company is the brainchild behind the project, which has seen numerous delays over the years due to financial and contractual setbacks. “They’ve been working on these two projects for years now and there are still a number of conditions that must be met,” said Bill Smiley, Senior Engineering Technician at the Public Works Department. Smiley, along with Senior Project Engineer Roger Stewart, has been working closely with Del Repini through all the trials and tribulations. The proposed commercial development has not yet met the conditions of the Amador County Technical Advisory Committee and no businesses have yet signed on to operate there. The housing development, called Pine Grove Bluffs, is one of two new subdivisions planned in the area and will consist of approximately 9 lots. Despite a number of rumors circulating amongst the local residents, the development is not planned as the future site of a Wendy’s fast food restaurant. Another rumor claims that Repini Construction is working without the cooperation of CALTRANS. This is untrue, but there are some provisions that CALTRANS has put forth. “CALTRANS would not give (Repini Construction) permission to put a driveway on Highway 88, so they are working with a permit,” said Smiley. Repini Construction was not available for comment at the time this story was written. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing project.