"The proposed project removes the high density residential and the residential low-density designations from the plan"

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – It was full capacity at City Hall chambers last Wednesday, April 21^st as the Gridley Planning Commission considered amendments to the general plan of an incoming development and opened the meeting to the public for input.

The site in question is approximately 40 acres located on the eastern side of West Biggs Gridley Rd and running contiguous along the northern border of the Heron Landing development. It has been within the city sphere of influence since 2010 and according to the Planning Commission agenda, is “the next logical area of growth to the City.”

Property owners Darryl and Sue Bernard requested annexation of the property into the City and an amendment to the proposed General Plan land use designation of residential, low density to General Plan medium density and pre-zoned for Single Family Residential District (R-1). The development was originally intended to have both low and medium densities (and even considered a high-density area) to diversify residents in the attempt to attract single family occupants, empty nesters/seniors and families just getting started.

The agenda packet for this meeting states that “The proposed project removes the high density residential and the residential low-density designations from the plan; this removed the multi-family component of the current General Plan. The density of the existing General Plan…. reflects an average of 5.3-9.9 du/ac (development unit/acre). The first alternative proposed 212 units resulting in a density of 5.6 du/ac. This is the lowest density of the Residential Medium Density designation.” Another alternate would propose 202 units with the 5.3 du/ac, the lowest average for compliance with the General Plan.

Prior to this meeting, concerned residents in Heron Landing circulated flyers seemingly against the new development and submitted emails to the commission questioning a variety of issues with the new development slotted to go in north of Heron Landing.

Among the chief complaints of neighbors in Heron Landing were the number and proximity of the homes to each other (density), increases in neighborhood traffic, more neighborhood crime, or nuisances, including fears for the safety of their children.

A large turnout at Wednesday’s meeting allowed many the opportunity to add to those concerns and voice others, but due to COVID-19 safety precautions, not all were allowed into council chambers. Allegedly, many residents gathered on the landing outside chambers waiting for entrance but were turned away and told to dial-in to participate in the discussions. Allegedly, there were somewhere around 60 people attempting to participate in the public hearing either in person or by teleconference.

The planning commission heard public comment and responded directly to the concerns listed in the emails and circulated on the flyers. After the close of the public hearing, the commission considered the next steps forward. The issue is slated to appear on a future Planning Commission agenda. Visit http://gridley.ca.us/government-and-departments/planning-commission/ for Planning Commission Meeting dates and agenda information.