Included in the presentation was a 3 dimensional map showing the grid of what the Jackson Hills terrain will look like if the development comes to fruition. The development, which has undergone numerous community meetings and planning workshops, is over 500 acres in size and the plans call for the project to split in roughly half, with development and improvements on about half of the land, or 250 acres, with the remaining land being preserved as open space. If passed by the Jackson planning commission, the first phase of the Jackson Hills Development will consist of 150 homes, a community center, and a new 18 hole golf course. Later phases of the project include an additional 390 homes to be built in phases over several years. This will be a total of 540 single family homes. The total cost for the development is estimated at around 400 million dollars.
The project includes a two-mile bike, electric car, and walking trail linking homes to Raley's and other businesses located on the west side of highway 49. Developer Martin Tuttle states, "We estimate there will be 30 to 40 percent fewer trips by Jackson Hills residents to town than in a standard development because of our trail access to shopping services and recreation."
The development opted to propose low intensity shielded lighting to preserve the view and be 'night sky' friendly. According to developers the project will provide an estimated 9 million dollars to the city in permit fees and bring an 850,000 gallon water storage tank for water storage. Developers also tout that this will help with water reserves for the local fire department.
According to New Faze Development, the developer of the project, the project has received support from some local Jackson business owners, and will be discussed by the Jackson Planning commissions on Monday Dec 4th. The Planning Commission meeting for Monday December 4th at 6pm will hold a Public Hearing on the project determination- in other words the Commission will form their recommendations on the project which will then be forwarded to the City Council. According to Opponents of the project the development will overload the schools, roads and sewer system. Chris Wright, Executive Director of the Foothill Conservancy is expressing concerns regarding the project stating that “It will eliminate at least hundreds of oaks and convert 100s of acres of grazing land to suburban style houses.” The main concern of opponents is that “this project doesn't fit into either the existing or future vision of Jackson.” Again the Planning Commission meeting to discuss recommendation regarding this development is next Monday, Dec 4th at 6pm at the Jackson Civic Center.
