Laserfiche WebLink
JUL-06-1993 16:26 FROM LAND CONSERUATION SAC TO 912094693163 P.04 <br /> Mr. William Sousa <br /> July 6, 1993 <br /> Page 4 <br /> Re Val of, adjacent lands fro agriculture is not 1 ikely to <br /> resi.kt <br /> The Buckeye Ranch is five miles from the City of Lodi, the <br /> closest urban development, and is surrounded by agricultural and <br /> open space land. Any concentrated development in an agricultural <br /> area is problematic because of the conflicts which can be <br /> generated. Residents complain of agriculturally related noise, <br /> dust and odors. Farmers complain of increased traffic, <br /> vandalism, and trespassers on their land, which often forces them <br /> to seek farmland elsewhere in order to continue agricultural <br /> operations. In addition, this development would be precedent- <br /> setting and encourage other landowners to convert adjacent <br /> farmland to similar development. It is inescapable that <br /> cancellation willencourage adjacent landowners to cease <br /> agricultural operations. Therefore, we conclude that this <br /> subfinding cannot be made, unless effective mitigation measures <br /> are employed to prevent conversion of surrounding lands to <br /> nonagricultural uses. <br /> The alternative use is consistent with the itv or county gener�l <br /> an <br /> Proponents state that the proposed uses (agriculture, <br /> limited residential, golf course, and nature preserve) are <br /> consistent with the General Plan and are allowed within the GA-40 <br /> zone, subject to residential density limitations and a use permit <br /> for the golf course. While the County deems it applicable to <br /> allow a density bonus for clustering of homes within an area that <br /> is zoned GA-40, we do not believe that this meets the intent of <br /> the williamson Act. in reviewing the proposed project site plan, <br /> it also appears that the lots are strung out along Tracy Lakes, <br /> rather than being clustered together. <br /> pisconticmous patterns of urbap development will notre 1t. <br /> This site is not adjacent to urban development, and is <br /> surrounded by currently productive agricultural land. some rural <br /> ranchettes exist to the east across Lower Sacramento Road. <br /> However, introducing development of 26 single family homes into a <br /> rural area will increase traffic, air pollution, and conflict <br /> with ongoing agricultural operations in the area. As stated <br /> previously, this proposed project will encourage similar types of <br /> development leading to increased local growth pressures. <br /> The argument that the development is not "urban" and hence <br /> need not satisfy the contiguity requirement was specifically <br /> rejected by the Court in Homy Springs Homeowners As n. v. Board <br />