By Jim Reece -
The Sutter Creek Planning Commission combed through six chapters of the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort’s Environmental Impact Report on Wednesday. About 40 people attended the meeting, which began with the land use chapter. City consultant Anders Hauge led the meeting, discussing general plan categories, their application to the Gold Rush EIR and any recommendations. Commission Chairman Robin Peters asked about custom lots being on a road designated a “collector” and whether they should front the road, Highway 104. Peters said “35 miles per hour — that’s a driveway every 4 or 5 seconds.” She noted that there must be a better location for the lots or they should be provided with other access. Peters said according to the general plan, lots should have frontage on local subdivision streets only. Peters noted that in several sections that Gold Rush’s EIR said road design should minimize grading by aligning with topography and existing grades. Peters called it an oversight – and a “little disingenuous” – noting that the EIR included severe “mass grading” for some of its large lots. Commissioner Mike Kirkley agreed, saying the policy should be consistent throughout the project. In public comment, biologist Terry Strange noted the use of ridges and valleys as natural byways for transportation and roads. Strange said that while preserving ridges and valleys can prevent erosion, having roads and circulation on ridge tops and valleys may cause problems. He said the EIR could consider more current environmental practices. Resident Sharyn Brown commented on another section that said cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets should be discouraged, while through-streets should be preferred. Brown said cul-de-sacs actually can improve the quality of neighborhoods, as in the Bay Area. The Commission, on staff recommendation from Assistant Manager Sean Rabe, decided to meet more often to address the EIR’s compatibility with the city general plan. The commission will meet the first Wednesday of each month strictly for the Gold Rush EIR. They will also meet the second and fourth Monday of each month for regular meetings. The commission next meets Oct. 14.
