Water, traffic concerns raised over UAIC's plans for Sheridan development
By: Richard Myers, The News Messenger
10:04 AM PST
Water and traffic were two of the concerns raised last Thursday at a
public scoping meeting about the United Auburn Indian Community's plans
to develop 1,100 acres northeast of Sheridan.
Some of the 55 people in attendance at the Jan. 26 meeting expressed
concern that development of the property located at the northeast
corner of Karchner and Porter roads south of Camp Far West Reservoir
would affect wells in the area, said Doug Elmets, a spokesman for the
UAIC.
"They wanted to make sure the project does not deplete the water
sources for others in the area," he said.
As for traffic, some people expressed concern that the additional
homes and people would impact roadways in the area.
Other concerns included dust and noise, said Jim Houck, a Sheridan
resident who attended the meeting.
"Just the normal concerns that come up with any project," Houck
explained.
As part of its proposed plan to develop the area, the UAIC is
looking at constructing 110 single-family homes for tribal members.
The homes would range in size from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet.
Originally, there was talk about subdividing the project into 110
lots of 5 acres each, Houck said.
At the meeting, however, tribal members clarified the matter.
The project would remain subdivided into the nine separate parcels,
ranging in size from 1.27 acres to 240 acres.
Each home would be located on a 5-acre site.
"It's more like a planned community and not a subdivision," Houck
said.
A number of associated community facilities also are planned,
including an administrative center, a community center, a 20,000-square
foot private 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.
Approximately eight miles of private roads will be constructed as
part of the project.
The purpose of the Jan. 26 scoping meeting was to obtain information
about what should be add-ressed in an Environmental Impact Report,
Elmets said.
The draft EIR will come out in three to four months, he added.
Elmets noted the site was purchased by the tribe more than five
years ago.
A memorandum of understanding with Placer County identified the site
as a location for tribal housing.
"This project will clearly enhance the services in the area," Elmets
said, citing amenities such as the infirmary, school, athletic fields
and picnic area. "It will also be a beautiful addition to the community
that everyone, including the tribe, will be very proud of."
Several people in the audience spoke highly of the project, Houck
noted.
"One attendee said she has seen what the tribe has done at the
(Thunder Valley) casino and for the community, and she looks forward to
this project being a major asset," Elmets said.
Construction on the project could begin in a couple years.
A copy of the Notice of Preparation for the draft EIR is available
online at www.auburnrancheria.com.
For those who were unable to attend the meeting, written comments
about the proposed project must be submitted to the UAIC no later than
5 p.m. Feb. 9.
Comments can be mailed to the UAIC Tribal Office, Attn: Shelley
McGinnis, 575 Menlo Drive, suite 2, Rocklin, CA 95765.
- Richard Myers can be reached at richardm@goldcountrymedia.com.
