Planning Successes and Challenges

Calaveras River Estates, recently approved by the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, sets some standards for good planning.  The project is for four 40-acre parcels; the remaing 350 acres of the project is being turned over to the Mother Lode Land Trust.  Public access to the Calaveras River, which flows through the project, will be granted by a 10-foot wide pedestrian path.

Members of MyValleySprings.com advocated for approval of the project with a condition to voluntarily shield lighting in the developed areas. There is no code requirement for shielding lighting, but the developer supported this voluntary condition. Coming before the Board of Supervisors, the project passed with this voluntary provision included.

You can read more about this project in the Union Democrat: http://www.uniondemocrat.com/20110615103882/News/Local-News/Calaveras-River-Estates-to-include-public-river-access

Meanwhile the proposed Coe Shooting Center outside Valley Springs seems to be on a fast-track toward approval even though there are significant potential impacts and a questionable path through the planning process.  The Planning Commission voted its approval and sent it on to the Board of Supervisors with considerable public support and opposition.

Watch the  video of the hearings here.  Tom Infusino submitted comments and spoke at the Commission hearing.