Emotions ran high at the Sutter Creek Planning Commission Monday, where Commissioners pinpointed their concerns about the Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort Draft Environmental Impact Report before a full house. All of the Planning Commissioners were of the opinion that the DEIR was a high quality document, containing a wealth of information. But each of the five Commissioners brought up issues they felt should be added to the DEIR. Mike Kirkley’s requested additions included a fire protection study developed by qualified consultants, a study of noise impacts on the residents of the development, a California Environmental Quality Act review of Sutter Creek’s waste water treatment plant that ties it to the development, and an analysis of emissions caused by the majority of Gold Rush’s residents commuting to work outside of the county. Bob Olsen noted that 3 million yards of dirt will have to be moved in order to contour the land for construction, which he feels will devastate the existing oak woodland. Olsen also expressed concern about the steep character of the proposed open space, as well as about the development’s lack of a community center. Cort Strandberg requested an analysis of the sociological impacts to Sutter Creek’s existing residents, namely, what it will be like 10 years from now when Sutter Creek is essentially two towns. Frank Cunha brought up the issue of secondary financial impacts caused by the project. Cunha said that according to his research, Gold Rush will indirectly create the need for 1,100 additional homes for employees, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on planning. Commission Chair Robin Peters spoke last. He requested more discussion of the project’s alternatives, and objected to project mitigation measures that require a change in the City’s General Plan. The meeting disbursed with the consensus that the analysis of Gold Rush’s General Plan consistency should be accelerated, which will serve to streamline the rest of the project. The Commission will meet again on September 22 to discuss the issue.
Thursday, 11 September 2008 05:00
Sutter Creek Planning Commission Pinpoints Gold Rush EIR Concerns
Emotions ran high at the Sutter Creek Planning Commission Monday, where Commissioners pinpointed their concerns about the Gold Rush Ranch and Golf Resort Draft Environmental Impact Report before a full house. All of the Planning Commissioners were of the opinion that the DEIR was a high quality document, containing a wealth of information. But each of the five Commissioners brought up issues they felt should be added to the DEIR. Mike Kirkley’s requested additions included a fire protection study developed by qualified consultants, a study of noise impacts on the residents of the development, a California Environmental Quality Act review of Sutter Creek’s waste water treatment plant that ties it to the development, and an analysis of emissions caused by the majority of Gold Rush’s residents commuting to work outside of the county. Bob Olsen noted that 3 million yards of dirt will have to be moved in order to contour the land for construction, which he feels will devastate the existing oak woodland. Olsen also expressed concern about the steep character of the proposed open space, as well as about the development’s lack of a community center. Cort Strandberg requested an analysis of the sociological impacts to Sutter Creek’s existing residents, namely, what it will be like 10 years from now when Sutter Creek is essentially two towns. Frank Cunha brought up the issue of secondary financial impacts caused by the project. Cunha said that according to his research, Gold Rush will indirectly create the need for 1,100 additional homes for employees, which could be a good or bad thing, depending on planning. Commission Chair Robin Peters spoke last. He requested more discussion of the project’s alternatives, and objected to project mitigation measures that require a change in the City’s General Plan. The meeting disbursed with the consensus that the analysis of Gold Rush’s General Plan consistency should be accelerated, which will serve to streamline the rest of the project. The Commission will meet again on September 22 to discuss the issue.
