Amador County – Amador County Local Agency Formation Commission voted unanimously to amend Plymouth’s “Sphere of Influence” last week to include the Shenandoah Ridge and Zinfandel residential projects, precursor to annexation of the two projects.

LAFCO Executive Officer Roseanne Chamberlain said positive determinations included that Plymouth proposes and plans annexation and extension of service within the near term. It was found logical because of proximity and It was well planned.

Amador County did not request a conference with the city on the issue because the annexation is expected to occur in a reasonably short period of time, she said, and it is “estimated that Plymouth will be able to supply services to this area in 10 years.”

Consultant Richard Prima said Plymouth’s own attorney did not review the Environmental Impact Report to save money, but Reeder Sutherland, the project’s developer, must defend the EIR for the city.

LAFCO’s counsel Robert Laurie said one part of the EIR said Reeder Sutherland would pay its “fair share” of water and wastewater impacts was inadequate, because it did not quantify the amount to be paid. He said it should also tell what enhancements of plants would be made. Laurie said because time had run out on any legal challenge to the certified EIR, they could not require a Subsequent EIR, because that could be done only if it has a change in circumstances or new information.

Chamberlain said the financial impact normally would not be included in the EIR, but only in the reorganization, or annexation. Laurie said the Commission could only approve the Sphere of Influence amendment, and the city and developer would have to determine the fair share in the Development Agreement.

Supervisor Vice Chairman and Commissioner Louis Boitano said “it will be handled by the development agreement.” He said he would remember this, and in the future would “prefer that they do it the way we do things around here,” and “have the city attorney look through the city’s EIR.”

Chamberlain said comments by the Foothill Conservancy generally focused on sprawl, saying the projects were going to be built where planning had not taken place, and there was no plan for development in the area. Chamberlain said we can all define sprawl, but this project was extensively planned by Plymouth and the developer. Chamberlain said the projects would help protect the economic viability of surrounding ag land.

She said the Foothill Conservancy also said that Plymouth’s USDA grant did not allow for water in its new pipeline to serve new development. Chamberlain said “I think there is some capacity for new development.”

Amador Water Agency General Manager Gene Mancebo said the pipeline will supply existing demand “and will meet anticipated growth out to 2025 and it would be adequate for the subdivisions being considered tonight.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.