Sunday, 07 June 2009 22:42
Amador General Plan Update
Amador County – Amador County supervisors and planning commissioners last week discussed parts of the economic development element, touching on agriculture and other aspects. Jim Conklin, executive director of the Amador County Business Council, said the “more business-friendly that you can make the county within legal limit,” the more of a major benefit it will be to the county. He said he would “like to see improved communications infrastructure built so people can live here and work here.” And he urged a “relook at the economic development delivery process arm.” He said the Small Business Administration is that delivery structure, with loans of $75,000 dollars – “a really woefully inadequate amount.” He thought Amador “needs to send a professional business message to companies thinking of locating” here. Olive farmer Susan Bragstadd asked about “land use and conservations elements of the General Plan,” referred to in one portion of the economic. County Planner Susan Grijalva said the elements were not written, and the only things written were plans and policies. Conklin believed the “Land Use Element should compliment the Economic Development Element.” Art Marinaccio, of Amador Citizens For Responsible Government, said “ag is everywhere a cow used to be at one time,” and pointed to a Foothill Conservancy call to replace each acre of grazing land that is developed with 4 acres of grazing land to be set aside. Discussion continues at the next meeting, to be announced. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.