CLEARLAKE — The Clearlake City Council heard comments for nearly two hours Thursday evening concerning the Provinsalia Project. Following comments from the final public speaker, the council voted to close the public hearing at 9:35 p.m. and continue the item to its next regular meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.
The project proposes construction of 665 single-family/multiple-family dwellings in the area east of Dam Road. The project also includes the construction of a golf course, trail system, clubhouse and interpretive center. The project site is 292 acres and has approximately 1.4 acres of waterways, 45.8 acres of land over 30-percent slope, 2.8 acres of valley oak woodland, 18.5 acres of blue oak habitat, 9.2 acres of known cultural resource sites and 31.2 acres comprised of wetlands or Cache Creek. The net developable acreage is 183.1 acres.
The council heard several comments in opposition to the project and a couple supporting the development proposal. Primary concerns expressed by those opposing the project included the actuality of such a costly project given today”s economic recession, impacts to the local school district, mitigated solutions regarding tree removal and replacement, and traffic safety improvements in various areas that would likely be affected by the creation of the subdivision.
Several speakers supported a suggestion offered by Victoria Brandon, who spoke in representation of the Lake County Sierra Club. Brandon recommended that a sunset clause be included in the agreement with the developing company, Lake County Resort Partners, to automate retraction of any rezoning they may approve should the project falter and the property be placed back on the market.
School district concerns included those for traffic safety along Dam Road and Lake Street, where an increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic is expected for access to the schools.
It was also pointed out that the district is currently struggling to overcome a $1 million budget downfall and the development could result in another $1 million expense that the district cannot satisfy as would be required in providing facilities and resources to serve the students who may reside in the project area.
Removal of natural habitat and thousands of oak trees, in particular, initiated great concern for long-term air quality impacts because of carbon sequestration loss. Speakers” opinions were that the replacement of mature oaks with immaturre trees was not sufficient to satisfy impacts that may result from their removal.
Those who spoke in favor of the project said they support free enterprise and expressed optimism for economic stability in the future.
After taking all comments from the public, the council voted to close the public hearing and continue the item. The issue will continue with discussion among the council at its Feb. 26 regular meeting.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
