Sutter Creek – Gold Rush Ranch & Golf Resort partner Bill Bunce laid bare some of the extra benefits that the developer has agreed to, as they work with Sutter Creek City Council on a development agreement. Planning Commissioner Frank Cunha asked City Attorney Samuel L. Jackson if it was a good idea to have the development agreement signed before approving the project. Jackson told the council that it is “very wise and prudent to have the development agreement executed,” before approving the project. Bunce said that agreement is a public document and has some changes he would like the council to consider, but it tells what they “have requested in very great detail.” He said the project began as 833 acres on the Noble Ranch, with 900 units. It then grew to the current size of 945 acres, with the addition of the Allen Ranch. The specific plan now includes 1,334 housing units, an18-hole golf course, 300 resort time share units, a 60-room hotel and 20,000 square feet of commercial space. They also would have 20 acres for more commercial usage, on city recommendation. Bunce said they will pay mitigations required by law, and agreed to form a Community Facilities District for fire coverage. He said after a fiscal impact committee meeting 2 weeks ago, it looked like the city was headed toward requiring traffic impact fees, along with improvements at 2 intersections. Bunce said Gold Rush will also pay “Sterling” fees in a standard format, plus they “agreed to supplemental mitigation measures,” in dedication of a 17-acre school site, that was “beyond legally required mitigations.” Councilman Pat Crosby asked if they would be willing to build a school at the size and location the school district desires. Bunce said “possibly,” but the Sterling fee agreement takes the place of an “age restrictive” approach, based on older home buyers’ ages, which reduce impact costs. Bunce said Superintendents Mike Carey and now Dick Glock said they “need more than fees to get school constructed,” leading to the 17-acre land dedication agreement. But regarding building a school, Bunce said: “We’re certainly open to talk to the school district to make that school happen.” Crosby asked if the “agreement guarantees no busing of Sutter Creek students.” Bunce said the school district identified the need for a junior high, and the 17-acre site is adequate for a kindergarten through 8th grade school, with ball fields. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.