Pictured here is the proposed project site for the Hamman Subdivision Project.

BIGGS, CA (MPG) – Benefits of the Hamman Subdivision Project were discussed at the Sept. 10 Biggs City Council meeting.

The Hamman Subdivision Project is a 7.55-acre site on Sixth Street to be subdivided into a mixed-use development that includes 18 single-family homes and two multi-family residential lots broken into 42 apartments. Part of the property is designated for light industrial and commercial usage as a storage facility. 

This project is the city’s solution to California’s laws that aim at increasing housing options.

Josh F.W. Cook, city administrator and director of utilities, reviewed specific points from September 2022’s Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project. 

The city’s strategy is to develop unused land and offer more housing and jobs, as high-density subdivisions can attract new businesses and employers, according to city staff. The city is anticipating steady population growth and, as a result, school enrollment increases. According to city officials, Biggs’ schools have shown a 20% reduction in enrollment since 2018. The enrollment increases that would result from the project would also increase funding from the State of California per student.

Also cited at the council meeting are opportunities for transportation improvements. For transit service, there is Butte County B-Line and a free Butte College bus system in place.

To encourage bicycle and pedestrian transportation, the city has put in place the Biggs Area Bicycle Plan that identifies current and future bike facilities. The city’s Planning Department can request funding through Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) for these future projects.

The daily service volume threshold by roadway classifications were studied and shown as having minimal effects and emergency response times of less than four minutes should remain. One resident inquired about the noise level, at which point city planner Bob Summerville informed him that the storage will be a noise buffer from the trains, which are nearby.

Recently the city voted not to increase building impact fees. This project is estimated to generate approximately $820,160 of city revenue. Stormwater drainage will be managed by the project and fees per unit will be paid to the city.

The existing wastewater system would have more capacity that could handle up to 2,600 persons at its highest range, according to the city officials.

The city officials reported that the proposed project shows a less than significant impact to the wastewater treatment facilities and the project will generate funds for the city. Biggs Vice-Mayor Chuck Nuchols closed public comment and adjourned the meeting until next month.