Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:30

Sutter Creek to Decide Gold Rush Ranch’s Immediate Future Today

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slide1-sutter_creek_to_decide_gold_rush_ranchs_immediate_future_today.pngAmador County – The primary election today in Sutter Creek will ask voters to decide by a simple majority whether the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort remains intact as a project. A “yes” vote on city-wide Measure N will keep the project as approved by the Sutter Creek City Council and Planning Commission. A “no” vote will remove approvals and put the project on hold for at least a year. The city is surrounded by political turmoil, ranging from an accusatory letter by its former finance director to a widely known Amador County Grand Jury investigation into city finances, including those related to Gold Rush. Volunteers with “Protect Historic Sutter Creek” helped gather signatures to place Measure N on the ballot, and both sides have campaigned for their causes, including appearances on TSPN TV’s news show. The “No On N” side includes Vice Mayor Tim Murphy, and Planning Commission Chairman Cort Strandberg, Mike Sweeney (of Arc of Amador) and others who signed a rebuttal to “Yes On Measure N,” which will be part of the ballot. The statement in part says “a No vote on Measue N would be that the citizens and officials of Sutter Creek could immediately begin work on a smaller, less invasive plan.” It says 1,334 houses is “simply too big” for the city. Project Managing Partner Bill Bunce has said the size is non-negotiable for the viability of the project. The ballot statement supporting “Yes On Measure N” was signed by Mayor Gary Wooten; Councilwomen Linda Rianda and Sandra Anderson; and planning commissioners Frank Cunha and Robin Peters. Peters was commission chairman for the 2 years that the planning commission considered the Gold Rush project. In an open letter to voters released Monday, Peters said today’s ballot measure was the subject of an inundation of “propaganda arguing both sides.” But he stood by the approval, saying the majority of the Planning Commission voted to approve Gold Rush “because we know that the project represents a responsible and timely land use plan that is in the best interests of the city and its residents.” The city is already being sued by Martell resident Ken Berry, whose suit alleges violation of the California Environmental Quality Act and a laundry list of impacts he said were not adequately addressed. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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