Site search
sponsored by
News
On June 20, 2005, distant tractor noises, barking dogs and a chainsaw were heard in the vicinity of the proposed site for the Higgins Market-place. This information is available in a draft of the Environmental Impact Report which “evaluates project-specific and cumulative impact(s) to biological resources” resulting from the project.
It may be a cliché, but the California spotted owl is one of the “possible” species listed in the EIR, as is the loggerhead shrike, Nuttall's woodpecker and seven species of bats.
The Canada goose is also listed but, as far as I am aware, is not an endangered species —most likely due to the repopulation efforts taking place in Lake of the Pines (no offense to the Waterfowl Management Committee.)
Fortunately for the project's developers, the EIR report made no mention of bighorn sheep or sea otters.
The report is thorough — the noise section alone is 17 pages — and is a must-read for those who may not have an opinion on the project. To find this and other information on Higgins Marketplace, visit docs.co.nevada.ca.us/dsweb/ View/Collection-18235.
The mouse-eared chickweed (cerastitium glomeratum) is one of the hundred or so plant species mentioned in a 200-page Habitat Management Plan, also available at the Web site. The plan also allows for a 50- to 70-foot wetland setback, an increase over the originally proposed 25-foot setback.
Not mentioned in the EIR was one south county species that is becoming more common — the residentus unemployus. According the Employment Development Department, Nevada County's May 2009 unemployment rate was 11.2 percent, higher than state and national averages. Just two years ago, that figure was 4.4 percent. Residents in Alta Sierra and Lake of the Pines had rates of 8.3 percent and 9.5 percent respectively, while Nevada City residents were at 16.9 percent.
It doesn't take a doctorate in the environmental sciences to realize Higgins Marketplace would bring scores of jobs to southern Nevada County, enabling native homo sapiens to preserve their habitats and continue natural feeding patterns.
It was discussed at a Tuesday meeting at the Higgins Lions Community Center that this project would bring 140 new jobs to the area, which would seem to have a positive effect on the local economic environment.
Wildlife and wetlands aside, the biggest issue for residents in south county is the increase in traffic the project would bring. These concerns were voiced at last Tuesday's meeting.
According to LOP board member Claire Brown, the meeting was well-attended, with opinions equally divided.
District 2 Supervisor Ed Scofield recognizes the concerns of his constituents, especially those of business people like the owners of Gristmill Bakery who may lose customers to a larger shopping center.
A final vote by county supervisors on zoning, a revised general plan, and the EIR report is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Rood Center.
If you cannot attend the meeting, e-mail your opinion to ed.scofield@co.nevada.ca.us.
Laura Lavelle's column is for Lake of the Pines area residents to share thoughts and information. Contact her at lavelle@cebridge.net or leave a message at 477-4230.
It may be a cliché, but the California spotted owl is one of the “possible” species listed in the EIR, as is the loggerhead shrike, Nuttall's woodpecker and seven species of bats.
The Canada goose is also listed but, as far as I am aware, is not an endangered species —most likely due to the repopulation efforts taking place in Lake of the Pines (no offense to the Waterfowl Management Committee.)
Fortunately for the project's developers, the EIR report made no mention of bighorn sheep or sea otters.
The report is thorough — the noise section alone is 17 pages — and is a must-read for those who may not have an opinion on the project. To find this and other information on Higgins Marketplace, visit docs.co.nevada.ca.us/dsweb/ View/Collection-18235.
The mouse-eared chickweed (cerastitium glomeratum) is one of the hundred or so plant species mentioned in a 200-page Habitat Management Plan, also available at the Web site. The plan also allows for a 50- to 70-foot wetland setback, an increase over the originally proposed 25-foot setback.
Not mentioned in the EIR was one south county species that is becoming more common — the residentus unemployus. According the Employment Development Department, Nevada County's May 2009 unemployment rate was 11.2 percent, higher than state and national averages. Just two years ago, that figure was 4.4 percent. Residents in Alta Sierra and Lake of the Pines had rates of 8.3 percent and 9.5 percent respectively, while Nevada City residents were at 16.9 percent.
It doesn't take a doctorate in the environmental sciences to realize Higgins Marketplace would bring scores of jobs to southern Nevada County, enabling native homo sapiens to preserve their habitats and continue natural feeding patterns.
It was discussed at a Tuesday meeting at the Higgins Lions Community Center that this project would bring 140 new jobs to the area, which would seem to have a positive effect on the local economic environment.
Wildlife and wetlands aside, the biggest issue for residents in south county is the increase in traffic the project would bring. These concerns were voiced at last Tuesday's meeting.
According to LOP board member Claire Brown, the meeting was well-attended, with opinions equally divided.
District 2 Supervisor Ed Scofield recognizes the concerns of his constituents, especially those of business people like the owners of Gristmill Bakery who may lose customers to a larger shopping center.
A final vote by county supervisors on zoning, a revised general plan, and the EIR report is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Rood Center.
If you cannot attend the meeting, e-mail your opinion to ed.scofield@co.nevada.ca.us.
Laura Lavelle's column is for Lake of the Pines area residents to share thoughts and information. Contact her at lavelle@cebridge.net or leave a message at 477-4230.
