Residents of Homestead Road primarily expressed a
concern that they had not been properly notified of the church’s request to
expand its facilities. Other points of community concern included the removal
of two 100-year old oak trees on the church property which occurred several
months ago, the placement of new sewer lines for the new facility, dangerous
road conditions at the intersection with Highway 88, and the possibility of
future noise issues associated with an open-air pavilion. Tom Cadell, a deacon
for the church, met the residents’ apprehension with open-ears and stressed his
desire to work with the community. He stated that the removal of the oak trees
was at the recommendation of a county consultant who had noted their
deteriorating condition. He also assured residents that the church was
negotiating with Cal-Trans regarding the traffic concerns. He emphasized the
church’s open-door policy and willingness to comply with any future complaints
regarding noise from the pavilion. Other items of interest at the meeting were
two separate proposals for new wineries/tasting rooms in Shenandoah
Valley, one near the intersection of Shenandoah and Bell Rd, and the
other on the south side of Shenandoah
Rd. approximately 3,000 feet east of Ostrom Rd. Both
requests were approved.
Friday, 14 September 2007 02:02
County Planning Commission Hears Controversy Over Local Church Project
Many Amador County Residents turned out in
droves at the Amador County Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, hot to debate
the issue of whether the Pioneer Baptist church should be able to expand its
facilities to include a 250 person capacity open-air pavilion. On January
9th, the Planning Commission voted to amend the church’s Master Plan-Use Permit
to allow the addition of the pavilion, which will be used mainly for classrooms
and administrative offices, but will also facilitate potluck dinners and
occasional concerts and picnics.