LAKE COUNTY — The county, a developer and the Sierra Club reached an agreement Tuesday that might allow a proposed resort and residential development north of Lakeport to move forward.
Representatives from each party said they were happy to reach a settlement regarding the Cristallago project.
“The most important aspect of the settlement agreement is there”s no cost to the county and taxpayers,” Chairman Anthony Farrington of the Board of Supervisors said.
The Sierra Club filed a suit in April claiming the environmental impact report was inadequate, the findings of overriding considerations of assumed economic benefits were weak and the project was inconsistent with the Lake County General Plan, Victoria Brandon of the Sierra Club said in April.
The Lake County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the settlement Tuesday, which calls for a stay of the Sierra Club suit so the county can amend its General Plan and it also requires Cristallago to pay the Sierra Club”s attorney fees of $35,000.
The project would build an 18-hole golf course, 325 resort units and 650 houses on Scotts Valley and Hill roads. The development also includes a clubhouse, community center, spa, restaurant, conference facility and nature preserve.
Farrington thinks another crucial part of the agreement is that the county will clarify a portion of the General Plan about resort and residential development outside the community growth boundaries that he said is somewhat flawed and ambiguous.
“I think it”s necessary to clarify our policies,” Farrington said.
He said he thinks the amendments would create a better blueprint for development.
Cheri Holden, president of the Sierra Club Lake Group, said she”s happy with the outcome and how well the three parties worked together.
“We”re pleased at the integrity of the General Plan going forth,” Holden said.
“That area in the General Plan was not specific,” she said. “We”re very happy that part of the General Plan has been clarified.”
Matt Boeger, president of the Cristallago Development Corporation, said he didn”t want to go into detail discussing the agreement until it”s signed.
“We were happy we could find a resolution with the Sierra Club and the county so we could settle the lawsuit and the project would be allowed to go forward,” Boeger said.
Supervisor Rob Brown said it”s standard practice to amend the General Plan several times a year.
“It”s not the Constitution,” Brown said. “It”s made to be amended.”
Supervisor Denise Rushing said she thinks it”s important the integrity of the General Plan was preserved.
The amendment will come before the board in a public hearing for consideration.
Contact Katy Sweeny at kdsweeny@gmail.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
