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Of four large housing developments currently being proposed for Grass Valley, only one or two are likely to be approved in coming years, City Council members said late Monday at a public workshop on growth.
The developments will be limited in part because the properties for two proposals and a portion of a third lie within the current timeline to be considered for annexation to the city. City plans call for the remaining properties to be considered for annexation after 2016.
Development also will be limited because of limits of the city's sewage treatment system.
Yet concerns about growth abounded among nearly 150 people who attended the workshop held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Grass Valley.
"We're only going to be seeing one or two of the (developments), but we need to think ahead and think of our children and grandchildren," Vice Mayor Mark Johnson said at the conclusion of the workshop.
In discussion groups, participants outlined concerns about growth causing sprawl, traffic and a deteriorating quality of air.
They also expressed hope that Grass Valley would maintain its historical, small-town character; preserve open space; provide outdoor recreation opportunities and build walkable neighborhoods that look and feel natural and comfortable.
A few people spoke in favor more affordable housing, especially for the elderly and first-time home buyers. "Young people are not here because they are working," one man commented.
But at several points, participants questioned the need for the city to grow at all, and whether the houses that would be built would serve people from out of the area.
Councilwoman Lisa Swarthout stressed that none of the four developments has been approved. However, she noted the properties in question have legal development rights conferred by their zoning.
On Aug. 22, council members will discuss the results of the workshop and consider refining the criteria used to screen the four development proposals, which are now before the city. Those proposals that meet the criteria will be allowed to continue the application process, which is expected to be lengthy.
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To contact staff writer Trina Kleist, e-mail trinak@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
The developments will be limited in part because the properties for two proposals and a portion of a third lie within the current timeline to be considered for annexation to the city. City plans call for the remaining properties to be considered for annexation after 2016.
Development also will be limited because of limits of the city's sewage treatment system.
Yet concerns about growth abounded among nearly 150 people who attended the workshop held at the Veterans Memorial Building in Grass Valley.
"We're only going to be seeing one or two of the (developments), but we need to think ahead and think of our children and grandchildren," Vice Mayor Mark Johnson said at the conclusion of the workshop.
In discussion groups, participants outlined concerns about growth causing sprawl, traffic and a deteriorating quality of air.
They also expressed hope that Grass Valley would maintain its historical, small-town character; preserve open space; provide outdoor recreation opportunities and build walkable neighborhoods that look and feel natural and comfortable.
A few people spoke in favor more affordable housing, especially for the elderly and first-time home buyers. "Young people are not here because they are working," one man commented.
But at several points, participants questioned the need for the city to grow at all, and whether the houses that would be built would serve people from out of the area.
Councilwoman Lisa Swarthout stressed that none of the four developments has been approved. However, she noted the properties in question have legal development rights conferred by their zoning.
On Aug. 22, council members will discuss the results of the workshop and consider refining the criteria used to screen the four development proposals, which are now before the city. Those proposals that meet the criteria will be allowed to continue the application process, which is expected to be lengthy.
ooo
To contact staff writer Trina Kleist, e-mail trinak@theunion.com or call 477-4231.
