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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 04142007 - C.123 r TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ,N. -°. Contra FROM: DENNIS M. BARRY, AICP Costa COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR �:' ' _,.: s' County 'r(IIU�S DATE: AUGUST 7, 2007 C , 3 SUBJECT: CONSIDER AUTHORIZATION OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY FOR ASSESSOR PARCEL NO.432-040-004,A 97.6 ACRE PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG CASTRO RANCH ROAD, EL SOBRANTE AREA, AS REQUESTED BY RICHMOND HILLS, LTD. (COUNTY FILE: GP#07-00010) (DISTRICT 1) SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. AUTHORIZE a General Plan Amendment study for Assessor Parcel No.432-040-004, a 97.6 acre site located along Castro Ranch Road in the EI Sobrante area to consider the following changes to the General Plan: a) a boundary adjustment to the Urban Limit Line whereby 29.5 acres of the property would be shifted inside the Urban Limit Line; b) re-designation of the 29.5 acres to be shifted inside the Urban Limit Line from Agricultural Lands(AL)to Single Family Residential—Low Density(SL) in support of a proposed residential development; c) re-designation of 62.5 acres of the northern, steeper portion of the site, which would remain outside the ULL, from Agricultural Lands (AL) to Parks and Recreation (PR) for the purpose of conveying this land area to the East Bay Regional Park District; and, d) retention of the Agricultural Lands(AL) designation for 5 acres of property that would also remain outside the Urban Limit Line. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE Y RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD CO MITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S)-% ACTION OF BO ON / .�? 7 �au� APPReVEBASREGOM vnTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND X—UNANIMOUS(ABSENT v ;� CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN Contact: P. Roche, CDD-AP(925)335-1242 ATTESTED cc: CDD JOHN CULLE , CletRK OF THE BOARD OF Public works Dept. SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR CAO County Counsel EI Sobrante MAC EI Sobrant e Valley P&Z Adv.Comm. Various Neighborhood/HOA(via CDD) BY EPUTY City of Richmond Planning Dept. East Bay Regional Park District August 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors County File: GP#07-00010 (APN: 432-040-004 Castro Ranch Rd., EI Sobrante) Page 2 RECOMMENDATIONS - continued 2. ACKNOWLEDGE that granting authorization for this request does not imply any support or endorsement for the application to amend the General Plan, but only that this matter is appropriate for study. FISCAL IMPACT None. If authorization is granted the applicant shall pay fees to cover the cost for a General Plan Amendment study. BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION The Community Development Department is in receipt of a request from Mr. Paul Wang, General Partner, Richmond Hills, Ltd., requesting authorization for General Plan Amendment study related to Assessor Parcel No. 432-040-004, located along Castro Ranch Road in the EI Sobrante area (also referred to as the Golden Oaks property). See a copy of letter from Mr. Paul Wang under Exhibit "A". Mr. Wang is proposing a General Plan Amendment study to consider the following changes in the General Plan: a)a boundary adjustment to the Urban Limit Line whereby 29.5 acres of the site would be located inside the ULL; b) re-designation of the 29.5 acres,which would be shifted inside the ULL, from Agricultural Lands (AL) to Single Family Residential — Low Density (SL) in support of a proposed residential development;c) re-designation of 62.5 acres of the northern,steeper.portion of the site,which would remain outside the ULL, from Agricultural Lands (AL) to Parks and Recreation (PR) for the purpose of conveying this land area to the East Bay Regional Park District; and, d) retention of the Agricultural Lands-(AL)designation-for 5 acres of land area that would also remain outside the ULL. The development objective of Richmond Hills, Ltd. is to secure approval for a single family residential subdivision of approximately 75 units on the 29.5 acres proposed to be moved inside the ULL. The location of Assessor Parcel No. 432-040-004,which is the-subject of the General Plan Amendment study authorization request, is depicted in the maps and aerial photograph attached to this report under Exhibit "B" and "C" , respectively. Maps provided under Exhibit"B" illustrate the current and proposed General Plan designations and the property's relationship to the Urban Limit Line and the general location of the 29.5 acres the applicant is proposing to bring inside the Urban Limit Line. Also provided under Exhibit"B" is the current zoning for the subject project and the surrounding area. The subject property is located outside the Urban Limit Line with the boundary running adjacent to the property along Castro Ranch Road (see maps under Exhibit "B"). Richmond Hills, Ltd. is proposing a shift in the ULL boundary of 29.5 acres as part of their request for General Plan Amendment study authorization. It is noted that the proposed ULL boundary change would ultimately require a public hearing and approval by the Board of Supervisors through a 4/5 vote,-after making at least one of the seven mandatory findings listed in the General Plan based on substantial evidence in the record. 1 As more fully described in their letter, Richmond Hills, Ltd. believe that the requested change in the ULL boundary falls under the fourth finding for change to the ULL as listed in the General Plan and Measure C-1990: "a minor change to the ULL will more accurately reflect topographical characteristics or legal boundaries". It is their intention to only develop the lower and relatively flat portion of the property which is close to Castro Ranch Road. This is the 29.5 acre area that would be shifted inside the ULL. 1 The seven mandatory findings are also described in Measure C-1990:The 65/35 Contra Costa County Land Preservation Plan Ordinance, which originally established the ULL. C'/.23 JO-2-o 7 August 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors County File: GP#07-00010 (APN: 432-040-004 Castro Ranch Rd., EI Sobrante) Page 3 BACKGROUND/REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION - continued Richmond Hills, Ltd. states in their letter that the public would benefit from this ULL boundary change because they would then convey 62.5 acres of the steeper upland portion of their property to East Bay Regional Park District. This conveyance of 62.5 acres would enable the East Bay Regional Park District to link up two portions of existing parklands to the south and north of the subject property and establish a continuous regional trail, and thereby create a larger,continuous park and recreation area for the public. Members from both the EI Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee and EI Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council have reviewed the proposal for development of the subject property,and they are aware that it involves a General Plan Amendment study. In their preliminary review of the proposal, they provided the following comments to Richmond Hills, Ltd.: • Slope stability and inadequate existing drainage systems have been recurring problems in the area along Castro Ranch Road, and extensive grading for the proposed development could exacerbate these conditions without strong measures to mitigate. • Location of the proposed development's entrance on to Castro Ranch Road must be evaluated in relation to the curvature of the roadway (two closely space. curves between the proposed entrance on to Castro Ranch Road severely limit driver sight lines). • There is a likely need for a second entrance or access to the proposed development, particularly for emergency vehicle access and to address limitations on cul-de-sac length under the County Subdivision Ordinance. • Three other nearby residential projects are proposed in the vicinity of this stretch of Castro Ranch Road, and there will be a cumulative traffic effect of this proposed development and the other 3, requiring =improved bicycle lanes and-pedestrian pathways along-Castro Ranch Road up to Amend Road for better connections with Olinda Elementary School. • The proposed development will likely to contribute to cumulative traffic impacts on Castro Ranch Road, and will need to contribute funding for needed safety and widening improvements to Castro Ranch Road. • More information is needed to determine whether the proposed development's residential density or number of lots (75)can actually be accommodated within the portion of the property to be set aside for development. • The proposed development should provide for onsite trails and recreational facilities (e.g.tot lot) Staff recommends that the General Plan Amendment study be authorized with following understanding. It is understood that the applicant (Richmond Hills, Ltd.) will be responsible for submitting to the Community Development Department,information or other documentation that staff deems as necessary to support the necessary finding for the Board approval to change the ULL. It is also understood that concurrent with this General Plan Amendment study, the applicant will be submitting applications for rezoning to the P-1: Planned Unit District and a Subdivision Map, and these combined applications will address the concerns outlined in the EI Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee's comment letter dated May 1, 2007. Authorization for this study, however, does not imply support or endorsement for the application to amend the General Plan, but only that this matter is appropriate for study. Attachments(31 Exhibit A: Letter requesting General Plan Study Authorization for APN:432-040-004,submitted by Mr.Paul Wang,Richmond Hills, Ltd. Exhibit B: Maps of the Subject Property(APN:432-040-004), including current General Plan/Zoning designations and proposed General Plan designation Exhibit C: Aerial Photograph of Subject Property G\Advance Planning\adv-plan\GPA Reouesls\richmondhillslldgparequestbo.doc ADDENDUM August 7, 2007 C.123 On this day, the Board of Supervisors considered authorizing the Community Development Department to conduct a General Plan Amendment Study for Assessor's Parcel No. 432-040- 004, a 97.6 acre parcel located along Castro Ranch Road, El Sobrante area, as requested by Richmond Hills, Ltd. (County File: GP#07-00010) This item, listed on the Consent Calendar, was pulled by Supervisor Gioia for discussion. He introduced the item by saying staff has been considering this proposal and noted the Board has the ability to make adjustments to the Urban Limit Line (ULL) for parcels under 30 acres. Supervisor Gioia said that in order for this proposed Study to move forward, he would want to see a higher level of community support. He recommended not moving forward with this Study and continuing to have additional discussions within the community. He noted that public opinion is presently split between a homeowners group that believes there could be some benefit and a larger planning group that believes it should not be studied. He further suggested the Board look at the larger policy issues around when it should consider any potential 30 or less acre revisions to the ULL. Supervisor Uilkema suggested that in the future, any General Plan Amendment Study items should come to the Board as Short Discussion or Deliberation items, rather than Consent. Chair Piepho asked about the Board's ability to make adjustments to the ULL, asking if there were timeline constraints that would, for example, affect the Board's ability to make adjustments within the same year to two separate parcels that were 30 acres or less in different parts of the County. Dennis Barry, Director, Community Development Department, said there were no such timeline limitations. He said that under Measure L, the Board can make less than 30 acre changes to the ULL, but he noted that multiple such actions could potentially put at risk the County's ability to receive Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)Return to Source(RTS) funds. Chair Piepho said it would be useful to have information from CCTA on how they would view such actions, as population growth will always be an issue for the County. Supervisor Glover suggested that the ULL Ad-Hoc Committee could be reconvened to review CCTA's input and return to the Board. Supervisor Uilkema said she would disagree with Supervisor Glover's suggestion, and she said anything on the subject should be discussed publicly before the full Board. She said she thought the matter has progressed past the Ad-Hoc level. Supervisor Glover noted that his intention was not to limit public participation but to work through the findings in depth at a committee level and then bring that review to the Board. Chair Piepho proposed bringing the matter back to the full Board, and perhaps having members from CCTA present to address questions. She suggested that input and involvement from the East Bay Regional Park District could be useful in the matter. She said it is important for the Board to review the matters of the spirit of the law vs. the letter of the law and public perception. She asked if a Board Order could be returned to the Board addressing those issues. Mr. Barry said staff could return to the Board to report on those matters. Supervisor Bonilla said it is important to come back and have a policy discussion that is separate from any particular project. Chair Piepho called for comment on the matter. The following people spoke in favor of the study: Paul Wang, Richmond Hills Ltd., applicant. The following people spoke in opposition to authorizing the study: Barbara A. Pendergrass, El Sobrante Municipal Advisory Council; Ruby Molinari, El Sobrante Valley Planning and Zoning Committee; Christina Wong, Greenbelt Alliance; Ron Brown, Save Mt. Diablo. The following people contributed written comments via email in opposition to authorizing the study: Douglas Lacey, resident of Contra Costa County; Dave Weinstein, resident of El Cerrito; Barbara Toohey/Siino, resident of San Ramon; Aurora and Daniel Doyon, residents of Carriage Hills, El Sobrante; Johnny Merrill, resident of Contra Costa County; Lin Conrad, resident of Carriage Hills, El Sobrante; Kay McKleroy, President of Homeowners Association, Carriage Hills North. By unanimous vote with all Supervisors present, the Board DECLINED to authorize a General Plan Amendment study for the Golden Oaks property, located along Castro Ranch Road in the El Sobrante area; and DIRECTED that future General Plan Amendment Study requests be listed in the Short Discussion section of the Board's agenda. Exhibit A: Letter requesting General Plan Study Authorization for APN: 432-0.40-0041 submitted by Mr. Paul Wang, Richmond Hills, Ltd. G1�3 �7a7 J 0-7 JUN 27 AN 9: 05 Richmond Hills, Ltd. I_i' ' June 20, 2007 73646,h St. Oakland, Ca 94609 510-547-9315 fax:510-547-9316 Community Development Department Contra Costa County 901 Pine Street,North Wing Martinez, CA 94553 Attention: Dennis Barry, Director Re: Golden Oaks APN 432-040-004-9 97.62 Acres Request for General Plan Study Dear Mr. Barry: This letter is to request a General Plan study of the above described parcel in the El Sobrante area. Enclosed is a map of the parcel and a check for $750 to process the request. The parcel in question is designated Agricultural Lands in the General Plan and Zoned A- 2. While the parcel is outside the Urban Limit Line(ULL), it is virtually surrounded by the City of Richmond, within close proximity, or by East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD)lands. . The request is to make a minor adjustment in the ULL of 29.5 acres for that portion of the property next to Castro Ranch Road and to the west and designate that portion of the property residential Planned Unit Development. This portion of the property is a minor change to the ULL and can be distinguished by the following numbered finding: "(4) A minor change to the urban limit line will more accurately reflect topographical characteristic or legal boundaries." The steeper property will be kept in agriculture (5 acres) or re-designated appropriately at Public Recreational (PR) lands (62.5 acres) and transferred to the EBRPD. In this area of the county, the topographical characteristics of the land suggest that the steeper lands are designated PR or are owned by the EBRPD and the more gentle slops are designated as residential. Moreover, when transferred to EBRPD there will be a legal boundary reflecting a continuous ownership from two otherwise unconnected areas of park district lands. The public benefit of this minor ULL change would allow the East Bay Regional Park to link up two portions of existing parklands to the south and north of the parcel and thus create a continuous recreation area for the public. Also, having this land under ownership of the District will allow the link up of a continuous local trail system. The developer's intention is to transfer the 62.5 acres to the East Bay Regional Park District. Please advise me when this matter will go to the Board of Supervisors for hearing. Respectfully Submitted, Paul Wang, General Partn r TOTAL AREA: 97.5 ACRES PROPOSED CHANGED AREA: 29.5 ACRES PROPOSED URBAN LIMIT LINE I PROPOSED CHANGED AREA,/29,5 ACRES /A EXISTING URBAN LIMIT LINE 5 ,so�555 LTCDESIGNGROUPINC. GOLDEN OAKS LOT LAYOUT PLAN RICHMOND HILLS LTD. 100 BUSH FRANCISCO. O.0 -11- LOT RANNS By: SAN FRANCISCO,10 -116Y:SW 73546TH STREET,OAIQAND CALIFORNIA.9/505 T.415348.595➢ MTE.07.15A7 T.510.547.9315 F.510.5079315 F.41 348.8787 Exhibit B: Maps of the Subject Property (APN: 432-040-004), including current General Plan/Zoning designations and proposed General Plan designation County File # GP 07-00010: Richmond Hills Ltd. (AKA Golden Oaks Property) APN 432-040-004: Current Zoning 1 Pinole 1 A. C'08/CyB C i 4 / w � o n 1 Richimond i ch`Rd. Castro'Ra� i n \111 1 � I (� Oleet< /r I CC Subject Property Proposed ULL 11 i Urban Limit Line 1 I / n O r� m '\ Q Zoning Districts I ` ZONING %0 R-10 R-40 \ \ � P-1 1 1 N Feet �.� _°...,.��..�..o.. �. ... 0 5001,000 2,000 County File # GP 07-00010: Richmond Hills Ltd. (AKA Golden Oaks Property APN 432-040-004 o•Pa tir Current GP:Agricultural - Lands (AL) � c i it 1 j o 0 Subject Property 1 � Urban Limit Line 0 F�ich-ffi®iid' Proposed LILL General Plan Designations SL(Single Family Residential-Low) ,GaS-�01 `"�'" \ t, r SM(Single Family Residential-Medium) �'•� e �,- ; O SH(Single Family Residential-High) �� \\ PR(Parks and Recreation) os(open Space) AL(Agricultural Lands) WS(Watershed) \o, Proposed: Single Family Residential --Low Density (SL) Parks and Recreation (PR � ti�� Goes N ) Agricultural Lands (AL) % Adjusted ULL Boundary N Miles 0 0.125 0.25 0.5 Exhibit C: Aerial Photograph of Subject Property • - 1 111 1 • • • ' ' • • - • . • • - ' ' n �,1• c'"`� vr'V}S' :� t Hyl ��� ��� •� ,.�n a1J� . ,� � � _ t f .. d ti y ^r7n+t �•��i�},���j�_' 19',ii " c� � x �� �s-� s•,�•St" r- ���fYfSYY"'""" .'!` `r J $ "t.�.,1 •a'y,�.;•4f:.'"�rte'^-'�y .1''� ;�� -•5j `^�r+� • X�. L. 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'� �`�... ;1�.+7 - i' .�J, ,'ref/L��+.r�� .�*•i ��� .�y i- '��'��.� � w' � � Urban Limit Line Proposed ULL � t` °� �,• � x tom" ;,'{-"�-, �.��--,r.. h r!'f / a Fk`t„ t��iu xt ..� .c ��•• --�. � r t�. .f. % t $ JI �( +' G;v;s, Id i t.� ''ir 5<*�r f'T \ 'i ',•J'/,�..y `-� _1 F-P 1 ly 7 � ) I -\"7P \S' R '� .'.tom\4 E•.fl�,yy ��1� .•i r.f � h}:• S 2� �„! t a 1 -I,, Subject Property :) Y�Yr3t, + EBRPD .. 1J I._LCa-1'.f hi.�S.. 1' a 'a.,]R 1 tr,,��'• �:�'y4•� ':5 _ t ri ,.,�. r,,.i {y.�yC,.(.,•/Cti°r r '_ 1. .3 `,� �. !.�; �.,� h� •������•'j:�'"ka< �r\,��'� _ �-.�', H• � =n3 `-iiif �d r'�t `•'. r.,��•' [.i '\ttv uw i,_uuriii:: la. r'�C. 3 / _° wpQ wuu,uuuiuuuun �',� y �. � \r F':.� u{:_::,• .� °j _ -map �- n a;7i1-f �'. S\. � �' 'G`i c• a �C - - �T /.{ �_f'•�I 1 Lri��.�,` � .I�n�a.\\ii F ,�o` � .T ..rte. - Y '• "• �•• �i�i•/� �:�- � n I Terrance Cheung To: Jane Pennington/COB/CCC@CCC +jr cc: 08/06/2007 04:44 PM Subject: Hi Jane, These comments are for tomorrow's Board Item. Terrance Cheung Chief of Staff I Office of Supervisor John Gioia Contra Costa County 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D I EI Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 374-3231 -Office 1 (510) 374-3429 - Fax 1 (415) 990-2087 -Cell tcheu@bos.cccounty.us webpage: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/deparUdisl/ -----Forwarded by Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 04:43 PM----- BOS District1/BOS/CCC 08/06/2007 01:35 PM To jgioi@bos.cccounty.us,Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC@CCC cc Subject Fw:Golden Oaks project in Richmond Supervisor John Gioia 11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D EI Cerrito, CA 94530 510-374-3231 Phone 510-374-3429 Fax -----Forwarded by BOS District I/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 01:35 PM----- Dan Doyon <dandoyon@yahoo.com> To distl@bos.co.contra-costa.ca.us 08/06/2007 01:24 PM cc Subject Golden Oaks project in Richmond Hello, My wife and I own a home in Carriage Hills and are opposed and concerned about the proposed "line limit" changes to accommodate this project. Issues range from environmental to traffic-related. Our open-spaces are dwindling and although its tempting to approve projects to increase the tax-base it comes with a far greater price. Please vote "no" to allowing these limits to be extended. Dan Doyon 107 Coach Court Carriage Hills Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Yahoo! Games. http://get.games.yahoo.com/proddesc?gam.ekey=monopolyherenow ----- Forwarded by Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 04:43 PM----- BOS District1/130S/CCC 08/06/2007 01:35 PM To jgioi@bos.cccounty.us,Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC@CCC cc Subject Fw: Please vote No to Paul Wangs proposal i Supervisor John Gioia 11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D EI Cerrito, CA 94530 510-374-3231 Phone 510-374-3429 Fax :---- Forwarded by BOS Districtl/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 01:35 PM----- "Hae Now" <service@haenow.com> To <distl@bos.co.contra-costa.ca.us> cc < a le bos.cccount us>, <dist3 bos.cccount us>, 08/06/2007 01:05 PM. 9 Y @ Y• @ Y• <Dist4@bos.cccounty.us>, <tcheu@bos.cccounty.us> Subject Please vote No to Paul Wangs proposal Dear Supervisor, Developers have requested that the"urban limit lines" be moved to include this property and to build 75 new homes.There will be a severe impact on our neighborhood if this is allowed. As residents of carriage Hills, we are requesting you to vote NO. We are opposed to this development plan. There are no plans to improve Castro Ranch Road, the area is very prone to slides, and the run off will be worse. There is also only one entrance/exit. The environmental impact will be extremely negative. 1. Currently we can't get the City of Richmond to provide the services. In fact, they have completed eliminated the EI Sobrante Valley from the general plan! 2. Traffic is already bad. This will put more pressure on Castro Ranch and Olinda. The streets are in very poor shape. More traffic would pose a danger to our children crossing those streets to and from Olinda school (which may or may not be closed by the city of Richmond). I 3. We already have problems with unsettled soil in this area. Castro Ranch road is slowly slipping into the creek when even light rains occur. And, the city of Richmond has failed to force the owners of properties along Castro Ranch to provide adequate retaining walls. 4. There are environmental issues. Wild life is abundant in our area. Coyotes are not protected but they help keep wildlife in balance. Without coyotes the rabbits, moles, voles, and gophers would completely over run our properties. Same with the red tails and eagles. And, there are always the elusive mountain lion and bob cats. Additionally, there are endangered frogs.and snakes living in that area. `\Itl r .it itwl I)n>liel 1) ).Voll 07 i.r) Ic 11 ('L h'.Ic�lIl17011i1, 1..;� -----Forwarded by Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 04:43 PM----- BOS District1/BOS/CCC 08/06/2007 01:35 PM To jgioi@bos.cccounty.us,Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC@CCC cc Subject Fw: Urban Limit Lines Supervisor John Gioia 11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D El Cerrito, CA 94530 510-374-3231 Phone 510-374-3429 Fax ----- Forwarded by BOS Districtl/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 01:35 PM ----- "Lin Conrad" <ccd75@com cast.net> To <distl@bos.co.contra-costa.ca.us> cc <natbates comcast.net>, <tom.butt intres.com>, 08/06/2007 11:38 AM °� @ <Lopez.Ludmyrna@comcast.net>, <johnemarquez@aol.com>, <elirapty@aol.com>, <harpreet.sandhu@comcast.net>, <tony_thurmond@ci.richmond.ca.us>, <Maria_Viramontes@ci.richmond.ca.us> Subject Urban Limit Lines Supervisor Gioia: Please vote not on changing "urban limit lines" in the El Sobrante Valley, specifically, for the Golden Oaks property. My husband and I object to this or any project in the i area for the following reasons: 1. Currently we can't get the City of Richmond to provide the services. In fact, they have completed eliminated the EI Sobrante Valley from the general plan! 2. Traffic is already bad. This will put more pressure on Castro Ranch and Olinda. The streets are in very poor shape. More traffic would pose. a danger to our children crossing those streets to and from Olinda school (which may or may not be closed by the city of Richmond). 3. We already have problems with unsettled soil in this area. Castro Ranch road is slowly slipping into the creek when even light rains occur. And, the city of Richmond has failed to force the owners of properties along Castro Ranch to provide adequate retaining walls. 4. There are environmental issues. Wild life is abundant in our area. Coyotes are not protected but they help keep wildlife in balance. Without coyotes the rabbits, moles, voles, roof rats, gophers, red tails and eagles would completely over run our properties. And, there are always the elusive mountain lion and bob cats. Additionally, there are endangered frogs and snakes living in that area. 5. The city of Richmond failed to contract with the county fire department to answer fire alarms when Richmond's fire department is enlisted elsewhere. This irresponsible action leaves our homes and environment open to fire. Adding more homes to the area will put more pressure on the understaffed and under equipped Richmond fire department. Thank youfor the opportunity to express my concerns. Yours in Good Health, j Lin Conrad, 5382 Coach Drive, EI Sobrante, CA 94803 I % r 1, tt; Terrance Cheung To: Jane Pennington/COB/CCC@CCC cc: 08/06/2007 05:25 PM Subject: Fw: DO THE RIGHT THING!!! Golden Oaks comments. Terrance Cheung Chief of Staff I Office of Supervisor John Gioia I Contra Costa County 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D I EI Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 374-3231 -Office 1 (510) 374-3429- Fax 1 (415) 990-2087 -Cell tcheu@bos.cccounty.us webpage: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/disl/ ----- Forwarded by Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 05:25 PM ----- BOS Districtl/BOS/CCC 08/06/2007 05:04 PM To jgioi@I5os.cccounty.us,Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC@CCC cc Subject Fw: DO THE RIGHT THING!!! Supervisor John Gioia 11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D EI Cerrito, CA 94530 510-374-3231 Phone 510-374-3429 Fax ----- Forwarded by BOS Districtl/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 05:04 PM ----- Johnny Merrill" .. ` k <merrill.j@sbcglobal.net> To <distl@bos.co.contra-costa.ca.us>, t�„� . '_ <gayle@bos.cccounty.us>, <Dist3@bos.cccounty.us>, 08/06/2007 04:43 PM <Icase@bos.cccounty.us>, <Dist5@bos.cccounty.us> cc "R. G.Taylor" <tbtwd@jps.net> Subject DO THE RIGHT THING!!! Contra Costa Supervisors, Now I understand after reading the paper this am that you are also looking at moving the recent voted on urban limit line in EI Sobrante along with Danville area that was in the paper a week or so. I only hope that each of you as supervisors that we the voters selected and voted into office will take this to heart and listen to what the voters have said. LEAVE THE URBAN LIMIT LINE ALONEM Why don't you listen to and do what the people have said and don't let the BIG MONEY politicians and contractor get away with moving the urban limit line. If you fail to support what the voters have said, I can only hope that the next message you receive will be the one telling you that you NO long have the job of supervisors. Terrance Cheung To: Jane Pen nington/COB/CCC@CCC cc: 08/06/2007 05:26 PM Subject: Fw: Golden Oaks annexation Golden Oaks comments Terrance Cheung Chief of Staff I Office of Supervisor John Gioia I Contra Costa County 11780 San Pablo Avenue, Suite D I EI Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 374-3231 -Office J (510) 374-3429 - Fax 1 (415) 990-2087 -Cell tcheu@bos.cccounty.us web page: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/disl/ -----Forwarded by Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 05:26 PM----- BOS Districtl/BOSICCC 08/06/2007 05:08 PM To jgioi@bos.cccounty.us,Terrance Cheung/BOS/CCC@CCC cc Subject Fw: Golden Oaks annexation Supervisor John Gioia 11780 San Pablo Ave. Ste D EI Cerrito, CA 94530 510-374-3231 Phone 510-374-3429 Fax -----Forwarded by BOS Districtl/BOS/CCC on 08/06/2007 05:08 PM----- doomack@aol.com 08/06/2007 01:40 PM To distl@bos.cccounty.us,gayle@bos.cccounty.us, dist3@bos.cccounty.us, (case@bos.cccounty.us, 'y dist5@bos.cccounty.us,doomack@aol.com cc Subject Golden Oaks annexation Dear Contra Costa Supervisors: The annexation of the Golden Oaks property on Castro Ranch Road is before the supervisors tomorrow, August 7th. Tom Powers has for months been advocating for Paul Wang, the owner. Despite all his efforts, our neighborhood and those nearby arc very much opposed to this propertv being allowed into the urban limit line._ 1. 75 homes will be built on 30 acres. The home sites are large and would require substantial grading. This area is steep and known for land slides. Grading could create more slides. The density of 75 houses on 30 acres is a lot. We know that Tom Powers is advocating only 30 acres because it only requires a vote of the supervisors and not a county-wide vote. Therefore it makes it easier for Paul Wang to develop the property. 2. Drainage is another major issue. There is considerable run-off already and Castro Ranch Road can't even handle the normal run-off. Adding more houses will make the problem worse. Sewage is also a problem for the existing system in Castro Ranch Road. 3. Clearing and grading for 75 homes will disturb and destroy the natural habitat and disturb the natural state of the beautiful valley. That plus the land slide prone hills makes for a bad combination. 4. Castro Ranch Road (owned by the city of Richmond) is constantly being repaired and is inadequate to handle another development. Also, the City of Richmond has no plans whatsoever to improve or widen Castro Ranch Road. There are two rather dangerous curves on Castro Ranch on each side of the proposed exit road for this project. There are no plans to install stop signs or lights. It is a disaster waiting to happen as people drive very fast along this section. 5. The project is one of 5 proposed in this valley with no infrastructure planned to accommodate it. It is also near Olinda school and pedestrian and bicycle safety are not under consideration by the city of Richmond. 6. The development itself is planned as a long cul-de-sac with only one entrance/exit. This does not comply with county ordinance. Carriage Hills North and South are very much opposed to this development. So are many of the surrounding neighborhoods (May Valley,El Sobrante Hills, Greenbriar, Castro Heights and Canyon Oaks) 75 homes are much too dense for this parcel, it is in a landslide prone area, there are no infiastructure plans in place including Castro Ranch Road, it would destroy natural habitats and exacerbate current drainage and traffic problems. Please do not vote to allow this 30 acre parcel into the urban limit line. Sincerely, Kaye McKleroy, President HOA Carriage Hills North .......... . ....... AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com Consider with SDA: Public Comment August 7, 2007 Board of Supervisors Meeting "Douglas Lacey" To: comments@ cob.cccounty.us <dnlaceyCatt.net> cc: +` 08/06/2007 08:10 AM Subject: BOS Agenda Comments from Website , Please respond to "Douglas Lacey" This message was sent from: http: //www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cao/agendacomments_form.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Name of sender: Douglas Lacey Address of sender: 5825 .O1d School Road Phone of sender: 925-248-1531 Email of sender: dnlacey@att.net Agenda Date: 08-07-07 Agenda Iteml: Agenda Item2: D.1 ------------------------- COMMENTS ---------------- I am absolutely outraged by the fact that the Board of Supervisors is opening up the Urban Limit Line issue after voters have consistently supported in in large numbers. It seems that our votes do not count, when one landowner and one consultant can open up the matter of the Tassajara Valley once again. This is unconscionable. ------------------------------------------------------------ ='r "Dave Weinstein" To: comments@ cob.cccounty.us <davidsweinstein@yah cc: oo.com> Subject: BOS Agenda Comments from Website 08/06/2007 09:07 AM Please respond to "Dave Weinstein" This message was sent from: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cao/agendacomments_form.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Name of sender: Dave Weinstein Address of sender: 155 Ashbury Ave. El Cerrito Phone of sender: 510-524-1737 Email of sender: davidsweinstein@yahoo.com Agenda Date: 0/07/07 Agenda Item1: c 123 Agenda Item2: ------------------------- COMMENTS ------------------------- Dear Mr. Gioia and other supervisors: I urge the Board of Supervisors to stick to the recently approved urban limit line. Proposals to circumvent this voter-approved measure -- especially so soon after it was passed -- do not bode well for the future. Nothing is more important for the future off the county than preservation of green space between our fast-growing cities. Both the E1 Sobrante development proposal and the New Farm proposal near Danville, which would also violate the urban limit line, would result in urbanization of areas that voters had hoped to preserve in a rural status. The Golden Oaks project is far from a "minor adjustment to the line, " which seems to be Tom Powers' position. It is a clear break in the line. The county was courageous and forward-thinking in adopting the urban limit line. Please stick with it. Thanks for you attention. ------------------------------------------------------------ "Barbara To: comments@ cob.cccounty.us Toohey/Siino" cc: <drsiino@sbcglobal.ne Subject: BOS Agenda Comments from Website t> 08/06/2007 07:41 AM Please respond to "Barbara Toohey/Siino" This message was sent from: http: //www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/cao/agendacomments_form.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Name of sender: Barbara Toohey/Siino Address of sender: 518 Marlboro Ct. San Ramom,Ca Phone of sender: 925-828=9141 Email of sender: drsiino@sbcglobal.net Agenda Date: 8-7-07 Agenda Iteml: Agenda Item2 : D.1 ------------------------- COMMENTS ------------------------- Per the Conta Costa Times, Mon.8-6. the board Of supervisors are going to consider expanding the development boundry for new homes in Danville a d El Sobrante. Who do you think you are to go against the voters wishes? Back in November, 06 we won the vote to keep the buildinf boundries as is. you have no right to against our wishes for anyone. When anyone request a change, the answer should be absolutly NO. . . . .That boundry should only be changed with the publics approval inthe next election. Of coarse the builders want to break down those boundries, that is their greed showing. They are getting filthy rich by eating up our open space, and wont be happy until we are void of any open land left. Turn them all down. ------------------------------------------------------------ r 0 a r r U N 18 'o n .ter- 'rs � O u' fl r fl ON CD W CD Cs- r Q' CD s CDco • .� G O v' SCD � N .fl+ � flty fl y � ►- O 'L5 r ' z O V!i \ ul G \� ' � � � '�"•+ fly;.,_.-,- �.1 0 jr fill 7111 1 4 �\ N N it O 0 O- Cf co == qq O Q O `G co '+ O .+ O O� eD CD t X, t ''r OCD o '". 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