Amador County – Sutter Creek City Council saw the silver lining among the gray skies of the recession Monday when it voted 4-1 to approve the final documents for the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort. They had “first readings” of related zoning amendment and development agreement, which will official finalize approval in “second readings” at the council’s next meeting. Newly re-appointed Mayor Gary Wooten said: “If everything works out as planned, it will be a beautiful addition to Sutter Creek and Amador County.” He said the Gold Rush “Specific plan is well designed” and “in-line with what the city needs.” Wooten said: “If we don’t grow and stay stagnant as we are, we will go broke.” He said Gold Rush, built as designed, “will not change historical downtown Sutter Creek” but “it will actually save” the downtown. Wooten said it will provide income to the city and help businesses and restaurants, as “people will come to visit others, and spend money.” But it will take time to see the benefits. Wooten said Gold Rush will grow and “it will be several years before it has an impact on the city,” and “If we have a few more people coming to downtown restaurants, it will benefit Sutter Creek tremendously.” Entitlements would include a 3-year hiatus, for Gold Rush partners, including Bill Bunce, John Telischak and golf course designer Troy Claveran. Wooten said: “If they don’t have things going by then, they have to put up some bonds toward the sewer and other” infrastructure improvements. He said the city would not feel impacts in the short term, and “in the long run it will help us tremendously.” He said the “economy is shot,” but when it takes off, the city will get walking trails, a tertiary treatment plant, and golf course and resort. Wooten said “it will bring people,” and “if they build it the way they are supposed to build it, it will be a really nice golf course.” Critics say golf courses are not feasible, that people don’t play golf, but Wooten said Tuesday afternoon that he was “coming home from playing golf,” as were his friends. Wooten said he thinks Gold Rush is “going to be a benefit to Sutter Creek and the entire community surrounding us.” He said Amador County has a lot to offer and it will be enhanced and improved by Gold Rush golf course and resort creating a destination in the county. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.