Amador County – The Sutter Creek Planning Commission looked at fire readiness in the Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort’s Specific Plan last week, urging the need for specifics in fire suppression verbiage. Gold Rush Project Manager Jim Harnish said it was the “13th or 14th dedicated meeting” on Gold Rush, and he urged that the “change of a word should not scrap a whole section.” Commission Chairman Robin Peters said he agreed, and he knew the intent of the specific plan’s wastewater section, but didn’t like the wording. Commissioner Mike Kirkley wondered if the payment amount mentioned for fire included the $550 per unit that goes to the California Department of Forestry. Consultant Anders Hauge said that is all included. The commission asked for clarification of fire suppression in the specific plan, which said “projects shall either provide or fund acquisition of an adequate fire station site to meet service standards.” Hauge said they could include things like response time and number of firefighters needed to respond. Peters said he would prefer that “they look into service standards” and include that specific information so “future planning commissions” know the meaning and intent in the verbiage. Peters also asked when property for a 15-acre community park would be dedicated. Hauge said it would normally be done with approval of the subdivision map. Harnish said it will be done with the “first small-lot dedication,” after the large-lot dedication. He said it was part of the conditions of approval. They also agreed to remove language about city-furnished affordable housing, after Commissioner Frank Cunha wondered whether the city really wanted to “be in the affordable housing business.” And he argued against an “affordable housing fee” paid to the city, saying he thought “the developer should build” those units, because “it would take forever for the city to build,” and such housing would end up “lost in the shuffle.” The Commission takes up the Gold Rush specific plan work again Monday, starting at 7 p.m. in the Sutter Creek community building on Church Street. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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