Sutter Creek – The Sutter Creek Ad Hoc Committee on traffic last Tuesday looked for tangible mitigations for Sutter Hill, in conjunction with the Gold Rush Ranh & Golf Resort. Planning Commissioner Mike Kirkley repeated Commissioner Robert Olson’s aim that “we were looking for a project they could actually do,” and “unless he saw real traffic mitigation, we couldn’t justify approving it.” Amador County Transportation Commission Executive Director Charles Field said areas that might need impact mitigation projects from Gold Rush included an estimated $3.5 million expansion of the intersection of Highways 104 and 49. Field said it is a “top priority,” but “we have no money programmed for that project.” He said Bowers Drive “is in the Regional Traffic Mitigation Fee Program,” and has some funding. They suggested Gold Rush developers could build Bowers Drive or the 104/49 junction and be reimbursed. Field said there is not much money there, and when it is built, the “level of service” will be “E” or “F,” and he suggested looking at a reimbursement agreement drafted for Wicklow Way. Gold Rush’s Greg Bardini suggested the developer be “reimbursed” by not having to pay building permits on the first 50 buildings. He said it would be better than getting smaller payments. Murphy saw the point, saying that the city did not want to build infrastructure accumulated by building permits, while developers did not want to be reimbursed with permit fees. Murphy said the problem is phasing, and the first phase is 25 years. He said they should tie payments to the number of units. Bardini said it would take them a while to build, especially before even building a house. Field said if they are going to phase it, they would probably need to pay more up front. Field said they could phase both projects, but “if Gold Rush doesn’t do anything, we could be in trouble.” He said some people think Sutter Hill needs improvement now, and it will definitely be needed in 3-5 years. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.