Lakeport >> With almost no public input offered, the Lake County Planning commission speedily approved the last two items on their Thursday, August 27 agenda: an extension of a tentative subdivision map in North Lakeport, and a mitigated negative declaration and Major Use Permit to use the Middletown Mansion as an events center.
The subdivision, which lies adjacent to the current Robin Hill subdivision, is currently held by WestAmerica Bank. The commission originally approved the subdivision map in 2006, which permitted the subdivision of a 37-acre lot into 137 residential lots. In the original request was for a one-year extension on the development option, but a two-year extension was recommended by staff, at least partly because the area is currently under a connection moratorium, and active water connections are required before any construction can be commenced. The commission approved the time extension 5-0.
The next item, a proposed use permit, would allow David C. Bell, property owner of the Middletown Mansion, to hold events at that property, including weddings, private parties and possible school fundraisers. The original request was for a maximum of 12 events to be permitted within a year, but under staff recommendation that number was amended to 40.
Only one person offered public comment on the subject, Middletown resident Nadene King, who is a neighbor to the property, and she stated that she was in favor of the permit, citing past positive experiences with Bell.
The commission voted 4-0 in favor of the permit. Commission Chair and District 1 Commissioner Joseph Sullivan recused himself for the major use permit request, citing a personal conflict.
