By: Richard Myers, Gold Country News Service
1:27 AM PST
Public input currently is being solicited by the United Auburn
Indian Community for its proposed residential development and
associated community facilities northeast of Sheridan.
The UAIC plans to construct 110 single-family residences for tribal
members as part of a 1,100-acre site it is developing at the northeast
corner of Karchner and Porter roads, south of Camp Far West
Reservoir.
The site consists of nine separate parcels, ranging in size from
1.27 acres to 240 acres. The 110 homes would be built on lots of
approximately 5 acres each. The homes would range in size from 2,000 to
4,000 square feet. Site access would be provided from three points
along Karchner Road.
A number of associated community facilities also are planned,
including an administrative center, a community center, a school, an
infirmary, a day care center, a recreational vehicle and boat storage
area, an equestrian center, a maintenance building, a wastewater
treatment facility and a picnic pavilion with athletic fields and an
outdoor restroom.
The news that a school is proposed as part of the development comes
as somewhat of a surprise, noted Western Placer Unified School District
Superintendent Roger Yohe. The development is within the WPUSD
boundaries, he said, adding the last time he spoke with tribal
officials there was talk that the children who will live in the
development would attend Sheridan Elementary School.
Yohe said tribal officials indicated they were willing to pay
developer's fees to help upgrade Sheridan school, even though by law
the tribe does not have to because it is a sovereign nation.
Since those talks, the tribal officers have changed, Yohe said, and
perhaps the tribe's plans for education also have changed.
"Nothing has been defined yet," said Doug Elmets, spokesman for the
UAIC, which also operates Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln.
Elmets did say the tribe plans to build a private school totaling
approximately 20,000 acres on the site, but he said it has not been
determined if it will be a school for children through eighth grade or
high school.
Elmets added it also has not been determined if children living in
the project's boundaries will attend public schools or the private
school. Approximately eight miles of private roads will need to be
constructed as part of the project and the EIR will address increased
traffic circulation in the area.
A copy of the Notice of Preparation for the project is available
online at www.auburnrancheria.com. Written comments about the proposed
project must be submitted to the UAIC no later than 5 p.m. on Feb. 9.
Mail comments to UAIC Tribal Office, Attn: Shelley McGinnis, 575 Menlo
Drive, Suite 2, Rocklin, CA 95765.
