Three alternative plans were proposed at the General Plan Advisory Committee, or GPAC meeting, last Thursday night.  Susan Grijalva, the county’s planning director, and representatives from the planning firm, EDAW, outlined each alternative’s proposed land use designations. Each alternative proposes a Local Service Center, or LSC, that would essentially be a city’s town center. An LSC specifically designates land use, allowing for essential local services in each town, such as gas, groceries, restaurants, banks, and professional services.  The idea of the LSC is to reduce the drive time and cost of gas traveling to Jackson or other regional areas, as well as provide for a local economy. The proposed alternatives incorporate growth in the Upcountry area, as well as other areas. 

There was some confusion about the proposed changes for Amador Pines. Cathy Koos Breazeal, an Amador Pines resident, and Executive Director of the Amador Fire Safe Council, shared her concerns about fire safety measures for the proposed alternative plans, including her neighborhood’s fears that these proposed plans would change the zoning for their area. Grijalva interjected to explain that none of the proposed plans would change the zoning of any area. Drew Sutton of EDAW added that the purpose of the General Plan is to outline land use designations, which is like a “first layer” of general guidelines, and zoning regulations are more detailed, and will give specific rules for an area’s use. Eventually, it will be up to the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors to select one, or a combination of the alternatives. The next GPAC meeting is scheduled for April 3rd.