Tuesday, 18 May 2010 06:33

Plymouth Report Anticipates Development

slide3-plymouth_report_anticipates_development.pngAmador County – The Plymouth City Council last week received a progress report on the city’s general plan and housing element, with indicators that a long moratorium on development could end this year. The Plymouth Planning Commission earlier this month passed a resolution approving required state reports of progress, and the city council last week received the report, to pass it on to the state and the governor. One indicator of the past building moratorium was that zero building permits were issued last year. While the expected turn-around indicator was that several housing element programs will be active, including the review of development agreements, making development reviews, and making project site plan reviews. The report said the city expects several of each in 2010. Plymouth Community Development Director Barry Siebe prepared a report last week for the council, detailing the progress of the state required Housing Element and General Plan. The current housing element was approved in 2004, while the rest of the General Plan was updated last August. Some of the elements of the general plan included details of program implementation, including completion of the water pipeline in collaboration with the Amador Water Agency. The report also listed the receipt of American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding to work on the city wastewater treatment plant, and also the wastewater transmission line system. Both projects should “bring these systems into compliance with state water agency requirements” and are anticipated to be completed this year. Affordable housing data shows 67 eligible housing units, including 28 listed as “above moderate.” The data, from the Local Agency Formation Commission, said Plymouth also has 15 “very low” income level units; 11 for “low income;” and 13 in the “moderate” range. The report said the city “closed out the most recent Community Development Block Grant program in December,” and will not be eligible for new funding until the Housing Element is updated. That update is being conducted “in-house,” and is anticipated in 2010. The city’s eligibility for funding to assist “at risk” units is also dependent on the housing element update. The report said a “Redevelopment Plan” feasibility study was completed in 2009, and “adoption of a plan is currently on hold due to funding constraints.” Development impact fees are currently being updated as well. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.