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Greenbelt Alliance In the News

February 13, 2003

Plans just now blossoming

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Vacaville's City Council late Tuesday granted more time to a controversial proposal to build a championship golf course and a luxury residential community in Lower Lagoon Valley.

Calling for a larger, more comprehensive review of potential impacts of the project, the panel's unanimous vote sets in motion a lengthy study that many in attendance hoped to avoid.

More than 100 people crowded City Hall to voice their opinions, a majority in stark opposition to the proposal.

Councilmembers, in turn, emphasized their passing vote does not grant the project preapproval. It would solely initiate a general plan amendment and allow the developer to conduct crucial environmental and traffic impact studies.

In addition, Councilman Steve Wilkins instructed city staff to conduct a financial analysis of the project and investigate the jobs-to-housing balance it would provide.

Councilwoman Rischa Slade asks that the study address whether the project can be achieved without the golf course.

Those studies, paid by the developer but conducted by a neutral third-party, would take a minimum of nine months to a year to complete, city staff said.

"This is a step in the right direction," said Mayor Len Augustine. "It's something we need to do."

Augustine reasoned the project is essential to protecting the city's long-term economic viability as costs continue to surge for crucial police and fire services.

Vice Mayor Pauline Clancy, who adamantly praised the proposal, stressed the potential for 3,000 to 4,000 jobs and growing need to restore the decaying Lagoon Valley Regional Park.

All of the councilmembers agreed the studies are vital.

"What we do here will have a lasting legacy," Slade said. "And we would be remiss if we didn't make an attempt to make something positive come out of this."

Seattle-based Triad Communities wants to build some 1,300 homes ranging from townhouses and apartments to spacious 1-acre lots and executive housing located in three residential "villages" interwoven by an 18-hole "championship" golf course.

There would also be some 80 acres for an office business park.

In all, the project would cover 730 acres of privately-owned property bordering Lagoon Valley Regional Park, southeast of Interstate 80.

The City Council listened attentively to nearly two hours of testimony from citizens before making its decision shortly after 11 p.m.

More than 100 people attended the meeting, many forced to stand in the lobby or outside as the Council Chamber filled to capacity.

Critics argued Lagoon Valley is the last remaining open space between Vacaville and Fairfield, and any development would increase traffic and further hasten the urbanization of lands between the cities.

"The council should preserve this treasure, not pave over it," said Natalie DuMont, of the environmental group Greenbelt Alliance.

Ernest Kimme, a former councilman and current member of Solano County Orderly Growth Committee, said the proposal does not go far enough in bettering the city's critical housing-to-jobs ratio. He said the city needs more jobs.

Kimme added there is no significant data to back the city's argument that executive housing would lure new businesses to town.

Many of those who spoke urged the council to dismiss the project, pleading that the valley is admired for its beauty and valued as an important wildlife habitat and watershed area.

"There is potential for a grand entrance, a stunning gateway into the city," said resident Linda Jacobs.

Jacobs, along with others, asked councilmembers to reduce the number of proposed homes and place more mandates on what businesses should be allowed in the proposed business park.

"I fear I will find a 7-Eleven with bars on the door as the crime creeps in from Fairfield," Jacobs said.

One woman encouraged councilmembers to be remembered for "saving the valley not for covering it," while others shared concerns that the lay of the land with the foothills separating the project from the core of town would create a "city within a city."

"Once you put concrete on this area, you can't take it away," said 19-year-old Tandra Clement, founder of Lagoon Valley Youth Alliance.

Ted Swiecki suggested voters decide on a bond issue before the project returns to the council for approval.

The 730 acres of privately owned land has been valued at some $55 million to $60 million.

Vacaville City Manager David Van Kirk said it was virtually impossible to persuade the state to buy the land, particularly given its current budget crisis.

Roberto Valdez, a member of the citizens group Friends of Lagoon Valley, reported that some 275 people have signed a petition marking their willingness to contribute money to purchase lands in the valley for open space.

While intrigued by the idea, councilman Wilkins said he didn't see enough locals supporting such a measure, which would require a two-thirds approval vote.

When pressed to reduce the proposed 1,300 homes, Curt Johansen, executive vice president of Triad's California Division, insisted that many of the lots would be larger than what one would find in the greater Bay Area.

"As much as we would like to lower the density, we've pushed it to a point as low as we can to hold our finances together," he said.

Advocates say the benefits outweigh doing nothing at all.

Hal Alpert, a Vacaville real estate broker, argued in favor of the project, saying an increase in homes would benefit many in the community looking for affordable housing.

"You have to increase the supply (of homes) for prices to come down," he said. "There is no way around it."

Deputy City Manager Ron Rowland emphasized that any development would cover only private land, not land currently designated as open space, which would increase under Triad's proposal.

Triad also would pay the full cost of providing police and fire services to the valley, including the construction and annual operating costs of a new fire station.

Further, Triad would make a financial contribution of $4 million to $5 million for the restoration and improvements to Lagoon Valley Park. The improvements include additional trails, a wharf and fishing pier for the lake, enhanced restroom facilities, new playground equipment and picnic facilities.

Opponents said such arguments by the developer and city staff were rich in irony.

"You are kidding yourself if you think our park will be anything like it is now," said Kim Sturla, who lives in the area.

Said resident Jacqueline Pelton: "This plan looks beautiful on paper, but what guarantees do we have that it will be built as planned?"

Del Berg, owner of the Ranchotel off I-80, introduced efforts to purchase 15 acres just south of the hotel to create a canine and equestrian park. Berg said he is in talks with the private land owner who is willing to discuss selling the property. Berg said he has already secured donations totaling more than $13,000 and is seeking more pledges from the community.

"People have to realize there is a price tag to secure open space," Berg said. "This is an opportunity to do that."

Councilmembers thanked speakers for their comments, stressing that exact details of the plan may change through the planning and environmental review process and through public input.

"The bottom line here is we are dealing with private property rights and you can't destroy that," Councilman Steve Hardy said.

Mayor Augustine added, "I trust (Triad's) Mr. Johansen. We have placed all kinds of demands on Triad and he knows that we will be holding him to his word."

Kevin Clerici can be reached at vacaville@thereporter.com.

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