Amador County – The Ione City Council last week approved a “Circulation Element” for traffic that would allow the worst “Level of Service” on a few streets, in order to preserve the look and character of downtown. The council held a joint session with its Planning Commission and approved a “Level of Service” of Grade Level “F” for Preston Avenue as well as Main, Church and Ione Streets in downtown. Planning consultant Daniel Hamilton said those areas do not have enough room to expand because of the buildings’ close proximity to the streets. And to protect the character of downtown, the city must accept in trade the lowest level of traffic service there. Part of the Ione draft General Plan Update, the Circulation Element also included Level of Service “C” for off-street trails for pedestrians and bicycles. All parkways, including Golf Links Drive, would be tabbed with a Level of Service “D,” while sidewalk and pedestrian access on intersections would be required to meet a Level of Service grade of “B.” The council and commission opened a public hearing to take comment on the circulation and land use elements, and several people urged against making some land designations. Lynn Winter spoke against the Silva Property designation as a “Future Growth Area,” saying 5 Mile Drive was “affirmed” by the Local Agency Formation Commission as a boundary between developed areas and agricultural land. Winter said “why not wait for 20 years?” City Planner Christopher Jordan said the “Future Growth Area” was a designation that would be used in future planning, and would guide the next General Plan update. Mel Welsh of the Amador County Transportation Commission urged the use of a “complete streets concept,” for bicycles and pedestrians, and said “don’t forget busses.” She led a 2006 workshop to gather public input on pedestrian and bicycle recommendations in the county, and she offered to help the city in its work on such circulation. Dan Poor, who lives “catty corner” from Q Ranch, urged the panel to stick to its January 6th decision to designate Q Ranch for a maximum of 500 housing units. He said the new map had rural residential designations in all areas but the flood plains. Poor said approving it would “drive ag out of the area.” And if the city allowed an expressway through Ione Valley, the “people will not stay.” Q Ranch was designated for 850 units maximum, as a “Special Planning Area.” (end) am. Story by Jim Reece