Wednesday, 24 March 2010 02:13

Rebuttals Filed for Gold Rush Measure N

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slide3-rebuttals_filed_for_gold_rush_measure_n.pngAmador County – Sutter Creek received 2 rebuttals Monday regarding Measure N on the June 8th ballot. Passage could overturn city council approval of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort project. The filings are rebuttals to statements previously filed in support of, or against the ballot measure, and all statements will be printed on the ballots. Both of the filings were signed by city council members. Mayor Pro Tempore Tim Murphy signed a “rebuttal to Yes on Measure N,” with Planning Commissioner Cort Strandberg, and residents Nancy Nasiatka, Mike Sweeney and Elsie Casagrande. Councilwoman Sandra Anderson signed a “rebuttal to the argument against Measure N,” with Planning Commissioners Robin Peters and Frank Cunha, Fire Chief Butch Martin and resident Ed Swift. Gold Rush foes argued that the “city’s threat of 1,800 dwelling units is pure speculation” that is “technically possible,” but “is so unlikely that it has no credibility.” They say the “most likely and desirable outcome of a ‘no’ vote on Measure N would be that the citizens and officials” could “immediately begin work on a smaller, less invasive plan” for the site. The filing says a “smaller development could be required to provide significant community benefits with less traffic, noise and risk to the small town quality of life.” The filing says the city’s support statement “oversimplifies and therefore misrepresents the most likely outcome of a no vote;” and community benefits promised by Gold Rush are “required” to bring the project into compliance with the city General Plan, or to mitigate “significant negative impacts.” The pro-Gold Rush filing says a yes vote on Measure N will “preserve historic Sutter Creek.” It says the Planning Commission and City Council “completely rewrote the developer’s proposal,” and approved “a plan that represents managed and responsible growth.” It says that “because of the project’s unique location, traffic and other impacts will not affect the heart of the city” as other scenarios would. The filing said “the council determined that Gold Rush Ranch is a better plan for growth than what current zoning allows” on property “already zoned for high density development.” The filing says council approval “forces the developer” to build a new sewer treatment plant and community park, and pay for open space and historic preservation, amenities that would otherwise be financed by “increased sewer rates and higher taxes.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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